[Illustration:
THE RAT.
]
There are two kinds known in this country—the Black Rat, which was
formerly universal, but is now very rarely seen, having been almost all
destroyed by the large brown kind, generally distinguished by the name
of the Norway Rat. This formidable invader is now found throughout the
country, from whence every method has been tried in vain to expel it. It
is about nine inches long; of a light brown colour, the throat and under
part of a dirty white inclining to grey; its feet are naked, and of a
pale flesh colour; and the tail is as long as the body. It is a very
bold little animal, and when closely pursued, will turn and fasten on
its assailant. Its bite is keen, and the wound it inflicts is painful,
and difficult to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long,
sharp, and irregular. It is a very singular fact in the history of these
animals, that the skins of such as have been devoured in their holes,
(and they frequently feed upon each other,) have been found curiously
turned inside out; every part being completely turned, even to the ends
of the toes. How the operation is performed, it would be difficult to
discover; but it appears to be effected by some peculiar mode of eating
out the contents. Besides the numbers that perish in this unnatural way,
they have many fierce and terrible enemies that take every opportunity
to destroy them.
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