There are three methods proposed for lessening the number of rats.
I. Introduce them at table as a delicacy. They would probably be savoury
food, and if nature has not made them so, the cook may. Rat pie would be
as good as rook pie; and four tails intertwisted like the serpents of
the delphic tripod, and rising into a spiral obelisk, would crest the
crust more fantastically than pigeon’s feet. After a while they might
be declared _game_ by the legislature, which would materially expedite
their extirpation.
II. Make use of their fur. Rat-skin robes for the ladies would be
beautiful, warm, costly, and new. Fashion requires only the two last
qualities; it is hoped the two former would not be objectionable.
III. Inoculate some subjects with the small-pox, or any other infectious
disease, and turn them loose. Experiments should first be made, lest the
disease should assume in them so new a form as to be capable of being
returned to us with interest. If it succeeded, man has means in his hand
which would thin the hyenas, wolves, jackals, and all gregarious beasts
of prey.
N. B. If any of our patriotic societies should think proper to award a
gold medal, silver cup, or other remuneration to either of these
methods, the projector has left his address with the editor.[77]
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