16 
FIRST BOOK. 
Where do rats live, Father?" asked Will. 
6. " They live in the floors, ceilings, and walls 
of houses, or among growing cane, or in holes 
which they make in the ground," said Mr. 
Lane. 
And what do they eat?" asked Jack. 
7. " They are very fond of corn and other seeds, 
as well as of fruits, and the roots and stems of 
plants," said Mr. Lane. ''Sometimes they rob 
The Brown Rat. 
US of our eggs and chickens; or they go down to 
the streams, and feed on the water plants, or 
swim and dive to catch small fish. 
8. ''Rats are not all of the same kind," Mr. 
Lane went on to say. " This rat which you have 
found is gray, but some are brown, and some are 
black. The brown rats are larger than the others, 
and are found in all parts of the world. 
9. " They were brought to Jamaica many years 
(M 357) 
