RODENTS 
his destruction and extermination would till a volume, and 
yet we have to continue the war against Mr. Rat, a war 
without end. 
Many of the means adopted to reduce these pests have 
doubtless succeeded to a great extent, and a collection of 
facts upon the subject would be of considerable value, 
because the circumstances vary, and require accordingly 
a different mode of treatment, as that which answers 
perfectly in one place is inapplicable to another. 
The patience of a Chinaman would be understood if 
seen watching like a cat over a rat’s hole, his lantern set 
about a foot from the hole, and a sharp instrument like a 
fork held in his hand immediately over the spot, the light 
of the lantern being sufficient to enable the Chinaman to 
see the rat, who generally comes slowly out, smelling 
cautiously at the lantern ; the sudden dart of the fork 
downwards upon the victim seldom fails to secure to the 
Celestial his dainty relish. 
We shudder at the thought, simply because we have 
not the inclination or courage to try the flavour of a well- 
fed rat ; those who have tried squirrels know better than 
to remain hungry when a well -grilled squirrel is to be 
met with. The common guinea-pigs are kept by the 
Indians of South America as pets to be eaten when other 
food runs short. 
GROWTH OF TEETH, PARTICULARLY IN RODENTS. 
The growth of the teeth in most animals is a very 
interesting study. In some animals the teeth continue to 
grow during their whole life, and this state of dentition is 
universal with the numerous class of Rodentia, most of 
which live upon hard and dry food, consequently the teeth 
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