AllTICLES MANUFACTURED FROM BAT-SKINS. 121 
become as loving and affectionate as the comfort and warmth 
of stoat-skins can make them. 
How comes it, then, that polecats' and stoats' skins are 
held so inestimable, while the poor humble rat's skin is 
held in detestation, when in texture and softness it is quite 
equal, if not superior, to either 1 The reason is obvious. 
Over the whole surface of our island, from shore to shore, 
east, west, north, and south, there is scarcely a hole or 
corner in our homes and farmsteads that is not infested with 
rats ; while the banks of our lakes, rivers, streams, and 
ditches, are completely drilled and intersected with their 
subterranean runs and retreats. Here, then, is the objec- 
tion — they are too common. Still I am satisfied there is no 
one thing can equal them for ladies' gloves, where delicacy 
and softness are the essential requisites to form the beau- 
ideal of perfection. But my father's maxim may perhaps 
better explain the mystery. He always maintained that 
anything far-fetched and dear-bought was good for the ladies. 
Nevertheless, in despite of every prejudice, should my 
readers at any time wish to impress those delicate things, 
the ladies' hands, with the pure stamp of elegance, just 
thrust them into rats' skins, and the work is complete. 
In order that the gentlemen may not laugh at the ladies' 
expense, allow me to remind them, that if the Jadies wear 
rats' skins upon their hands, the gentlemen beautify their 
heads with rats' fur, and walk along with as much import- 
ance as if they wore the coronets of kings. The " Quarterly 
Keview " informs us that in France, the sewer authorities 
hold an annual hunting-match, on which occasion there is a 
great capture of rats. These animals are not destined to 
afford sport under the tender mercies of a dog " Billy, Jem., 
or Tiny." On the contrary, the French have too much 
respect for the soundness of their hides. Then again, a com- 
pany has established itself in Paris, on the Hudson's Bay 
principle, to buy up all the rats of the country for the sake 
of their skins. The soft nap of the fur, when dressed, is of 
the most beautiful texture, far exceeding in delicacy that 
of the beaver ; and the hatters consequently use it as a 
substitute. 
But to carry out my point, Sir Charles , let us turn 
to the grand ball. Last evening saw you, in the etiquette of 
