m 
GREAT RAT. ' 
tlie black rat, or the common rat as it was one® 
called ; but now common no longer. This new 
invader, in a few years after its arrival, found 
means to destroy almost the whole species, and to 
possess itself of their retreats. 
But it was not against the black rat alone that 
its rapacity was directed ; all other animals of 
inferior strength shared the same misfortunes* 
The contest with the black rat was of short con- 
tinuance. As it was unable to contend, and had 
no holes to fly to for a retreat, but where its vora- 
cious enemy could pursue, the whole race was soon 
extinguished. The frog also was an animal equally 
incapable of combat or defence. It had been 
designedly introduced into the kingdom of Ireland 
some years before the Norway rat ; and it was 
seen to multiply amazingly. The inhabitants were 
pleased with the propagation of a harmless animal, 
that served to rid their fields of insects ; and even 
the prejudices of the people were in its favour, 
as they supposed that the frog contributed to ren- 
der their waters more wholesome. But the Nor- 
way rat soon put a stop ta their increase ; as these 
animals were of an amphibious nature, they pur- 
sued the frog to its lakes, and took it even in its 
own natural element. The frog is said to be once 
more almost extinct in that kingdom ; and the 
Norway rat, having no more enemies left there to 
destroy, is grown less numerous also. 
Wc are not likely, therefore, to gain by the 
destruction of our old domestics, since they are 
replaced by such mischievous successors. The 
Norway rat has the same disposition to injure us, 
with much greater power of mischief. It bur- 
rows in the banks of rivers, ponds 3 and ditches ; 
and is every year known to do incredible damage 
to those mounds that are raised to conduct streams^ 
or to prevent rivers from overflowing. Jn these 
