ORDER OE RODENTIA. 
441 
task was now over. The first Rat brought others, which did not 
manifest any more timidity than their leader ; and in less than 
fifteen days the company consisted of ten Rats, each of which 
received a name. When Latude called to them, they would run 
after him and allow themselves to be handled without fear, 
appearing to be pleased when scratched under the neck ; but they 
always objected to be touched upon the back. “ They used to 
come and eat out of my plate,” said the unfortunate captive ; 
“ but I found that this licence was inadmissible, so, in order to 
avoid their uncleanly habits, I was forced to lay another cover 
at table for them.” At the end of a year this family of Rats 
reckoned twenty- six members. 
Both Cats and Dogs are natural enemies of the Rat ; yet these 
animals, apparently so irreconcilable, may be trained to live 
together. 
Dr. Franklin was in possession of a White Rat, which was much 
attached to him, and kept on very good terms with a Dog of the 
terrier breed. The Dog and Rat were in the habit of amusing 
themselves together in the garden ; they would drink milk side by 
side from the same saucer, and share like brothers any tit-bits 
that fell in their way, either from the liberality of their master 
or the plunderings of the Rat, which never scrupled to climb 
upon the table and carry off, unless prevented, sugar, pastry, 
or cheese. If a stranger entered the room, Scugg (which was the 
name of the Rat) used to retire into a corner, and place itself 
under the protection of friend Flora, the Dog, frho would bark 
furiously until the pacific intentions of the newcomer had become 
evident. It was curious to see Scugg sleeping in front of the fire 
between Flora’s paws. In consequence of vexation at being sepa- 
rated from its master, the Rat became ill. At length the Doctor 
returned. He caressed the affectionate animal, and having with 
some difficulty withdrawn it from his bosom, put it back into its 
cage. The next morning it was found dead. In Rats as well as 
men, joy sometimes kills. 
The Rat tribe are distributed all over the earth. They seem to 
adapt themselves to all climates, and many of the species are 
cosmopolitan. This may be easily explained, by the fact that 
all vessels have a number on board, and that thus they pass from 
one hemisphere to another. 
