DESTRUCTIVE HABITS OF THE RAT. IGl 
as might be expected, a desperate battle ensued, as there 
was no escape for either. But belore ten minutes had 
elapsed all the rats were dead, and, upon being turned out 
and counted, they numbered seventy. 
Now, would it be more than fair to set down those that 
were dashed against the wall (which comprised all the 
smaller and half-grown ones) at less than double that 
number, since none but the largest were selected for the 
tub. Then add to these at least seventy more that escaped 
beneath the flooring, &c., which would make in all 280 rats 
in that one barn. 
In order to show that England is not the only country or 
island that is infested with these unwelcome creatures, I will 
adduce a few details as to their numbers and doings in other 
portions of the world. ^-Generations had passed away," 
says the " Scotsman," " without seeing a rat on the 
small Island of Tarinsay^ on the west coast of Harris ; 
but an innumerable swarm of these annoying and destruc- 
tive vermin have of late made their appearance on the 
island, and in despite of the tacksman's endeavours to 
extirpate them, they seem to be multiplying faster and 
faster. Indeed, they seem to be increasing so fast that they 
threaten to overrun the entire island, and take violent pos- 
session of it. They are supposed to have come from the 
island of Soay, which lies at the distance of about three 
miles from Tarinsay, and into which the Earl of Dun- 
more, some time ago, ordered a number of rabbits to be 
sent. Soon after this, the rats, which were very numerous 
in the island of Soay, seemed to take offence at the rabbits, 
and completely disappeared, having removed in a body to 
the neighbouring island of Tarinsay." 
The most singlar part of this account is, that rats should 
take offence at rabbits ; when, at the same time, they are 
among their most determined enemies. But such is the 
peculiarity of rats, that, if they take offence, or have a whim 
in their heads, they gather all together, and away they go 
in spite of every obstacle. 
Some travellers have given accounts as to the number of 
rats on some of the islands in the Pacific, and as to how 
they migrate from island to island, or rather are supposed to 
migrate, on rafts and wrecks. Among the rest a gentleman 
M 
