OF QUADRUPEDS. 
67 
RAT. 
The Rat somewhat resembles a mouse in 
its shape, but is four times as large, and of 
a dusky colour; more white under the belly; 
having a long head, short and round ears, 
short legs, long claws, very large eyes, and 
along tail, almost 'void of hair, and accounted 
venomous. What has hitherto been de- 
scribed, is the land Rat. 
In defiance of the cats, the poison, the 
traps, and every other method that is used 
in destroying these creatures, they multiply 
so fust, as frequently to do considerable da- 
mage. In olci houses where corn is kept, 
and where burns and hay-stacks favour their 
retreat, they would become dangerously nu- 
merous, were they not to devour each other. 
