RAT-CATCHERS. 
191 
is so universally destructive in its habits and propensities as 
the rat. 
Therefore, after having given him a fair and impartial 
trial, the only just conclusions we can arrive at are, that 
in the drains and sewers of populous towns and cities 
he is of infinite value, so far as he renders mankind a 
most essential service in keeping those localities in a state of 
comparative sweetness ; and in these localities he ought to 
be protected. But in every other situation in life, whether 
on sea or land, he is the most daring and destructive little 
brute in the whole animal creation, without any counter- 
vailing benefit, either in the shape of food or raiment (at 
l^ast as regards England), and ought to be persecuted by 
every means in our power ; for, if self-preservation be the 
first law of nature and the foundation-stone of every other 
law, then are we justified in carrying on not only a national 
but a universal war of extermination against the whole 
tribe of wanderers, not for the purposes of sport or 
vengeance, but for the common protection of ourselves and 
the human family. 
CHAPTEE YII. 
RAT-CATCHERS, AND THE BEST MEANS FOR THE LOCAL 
EXTIRPATION OF THE RAT. 
Now that we have tried and condemned Master Kat, let 
us come to the means of his local extirpation. The 
principal agents to be employed are ferrets, dogs, traps, 
nets, and poisons ; but in no case is the last to be used where 
either of the other four can be used with efiect. These will 
prevent all danger or accident, and a vast amount of animal- 
suffering. 
My suggestions for carrying out this war are two ; namely, 
to employ a skilful rat-catcher, or become your own rat- 
catchers ; but in the event of your deciding upon employing 
a professional man, let me give you some instructions. 
"As for rat-catchers," says a well-known author, "just 
find me an honest one, and I will forfeit my name ; for I 
