WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 
great genera and an endless number of species widely 
distributed in every part of the world. Most or all of 
them serve as food if not for man for other animals. No 
known rodent has been found unwholesome. Independ- 
ently of the value of the flesh as food, their skins are of 
incalculable importance in our manufactures. Many species 
multiply so rapidly that if it were not for their numerous 
enemies they would probably in a short time overrun the 
earth and render it barely habitable. 
These facts lead us to consider the great importance 
that should be attached to their existence, and to wonder 
what great end they tend to serve. However, as to most 
good things there are a few exceptions to be taken for our 
well-being, by there being too much or too many of them, 
so in this case is it exemplified in some parts of Australia 
by the introduction of rabbits in a part of the country not 
sufficiently populated to keep their numbers down. Great 
fear is entertained that they may, if not checked, cause 
the extinction of almost all other animals, not even sparing 
the sheep, by not only devouring their food but by so 
tainting the ground that the sheep and cattle will pro- 
bably be starved or driven from places that have become 
infested by rabbits. 
The common rat is as widely, or probably more widely, 
distributed than any other animal ; this is not at all to be 
wondered at when we know that the rascal is quite at 
home on board ship, and is thus taken into distant 
countries, and is consequently found to live and thrive 
upon any soil and feed upon almost any kind of substance. 
Our common rat is certainly a fine example of an animal 
capable of acclimatization; he makes himself at home 
anywhere and everywhere, and sorely tries the patience 
of all that have to contend against him ; the skilful and 
cunning devices invented, in every conceivable form, for 
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