8 



NATURAL ENEMIES OF RATS. 



The value of carnivorous mammals and the larger birds of prey 

 in destroying' rats should be more fully recognized, especially by the 

 farmer and the game preserver. Chief among the animals that 

 are useful in destroying these rodents are the fox, skunk, and weasel, 

 and the larger species of owls and hawks. Rats destroy more poultry 

 and game, both eggs and young chicks, than all the birds and w^ild 

 mammals named combined, yet some of our most useful birds of prey 

 and carnivorous mammals are ])ersecuted almost to the point of ex- 

 tinction. An enlightened public sentiment should cause the repeal of 

 all bounties on these animals and afford protection to the majorit}" 

 of them. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



By the persistent use of traps, occasional resort to poison, and the 

 exercise of forethought in the construction of farm buildings so as 

 to minimize the opportunities for harborage, farmers and others may 

 prevent the greater part of the loss and annoyance they now experi- 

 ence from rat depredations. The same statement applies in great 

 measure to city and village conditions. Hence cooperation in the war- 

 fare on rats is particularly important and can not be too strongly 

 urged. 



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