200 
THE RAT. 
The next case is that of the brewer and farmer, who had 
his barn emptied for the purpose of trying a bull-dog with 
rats in a tub. In this case, none but the largest were 
selected for the tub, the rest being dashed against the wall, 
and so disposed of In both these cases they knew they had 
plenty of rats, and knew also where to pitch on them, but 
would not disturb them till there was to be some sport. 
ITow is it not a most extraordinary thing that neither of 
these men ever thought of destroying their rats for purposes 
of ]Drofit as well as sport. But had the depredators been 
discovered to be a drove of wolves, and had deprived them of 
^ a sheep weeldy worth two pounds, what then would have 
been the consequence ? Why the whole country would have 
been up in arms, and nothing but death and destruction 
to the whole of the wolf tribe would have echoed through 
the remotest corners of the island. But because the real 
robbers were rats, which from their numbers and daring 
were infinitely more destructive, little or no notice was taken 
of them. 
CHAPTER IX. 
HOW FARMERS AND OTHERS SHOULD EXTIRPATE THEIR 
VERMIN. 
My plans for the extirpation of rats are very soon told. 
There wants but the will, backed with a little perseverance 
and determination, and the way will very soon be found 
both simple and easy. But bear in mind, that the first cost 
will be by far the cheapest ; therefore set to work in down- 
right earnest ; and, with ferrets, dogs, sticks, traps, and guns, 
kill all you can, and poison the remainder ] 
In the first place, lay down a tarpauling to catch the loose 
grain, then down with your ricks, and rebuild them on 
staddles. But kill the enemy as they fly. As for those 
ricks that are already on staddles, just look them round, to 
see that there are no ploughs, harrows, hurdles, stumps, 
