New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-04-12


RATS.
II is q curious but nevertheless well-ascertslned
act that where there is good habitat for rat,
q quite certain that there rat viii BE- The mmedi-
ate occuper may be slain but in few days the favor
it, spot will be found out and taken possession OF by
another rat who will in bis turn meet the same fate az
an predecessor and will be succeeded by another de-
irded victim, who lie doomed - the doctors would ssy,
''to be taken ss before
The rat IL a most strict observer Of the law, Be
fruitful and multiply In cleaning out the cell con.
tanning a little happy family Of five rats, Of
yariegated colors-sn Of which were perfectly
tame, and live in peace and hsrmony-I felt
something smorg the hay, warm and soft on
taking il carefully out, it proved to be little
thy rat, hairless and eyeless, bat nevertheless en-
lowed, like biped baby, with the full and audible
use of its infant Lungs. On hearing its cries, the
nother-s beautiful snow white rat upon whose head
maternal cares were pressing at the cary age OF eht
veeks-rushed forward and seziog her screaming IN
tent between her teeth, hastily ran Oh with II. Upon
further examination ten other young innocents were
ouDd carefully packed up in the corner OF
Which had been placed 10 the cage TOR the use OF the
colopy in general, but which had been kindly VEGA
ted by the other considerate rats in favor OF the
Isdy who was literally in the straw. Inc owner IS
happy 10 announce that the mother and her little
family are ali doing well. Such, indeed, the
amazing iecundty Of this animal, that they would
soor oyerrun the whole country, and render al our
attempts to destroy them uitless had they no enc
mics TO lessen their numbers. Bot this banetul In
resse is happily counterscted not only by nunerou,
foes smorg other animals but oy their destroying aga
eating escn other. The same Unsuitable appetite that
iIpels them ndiscrmn ate carnage, Also nctes the
strongest 10 devour the weakeet even OF tnen Own
sipd; and large male ra. il as much dreaded BY iN
avn species ss the most formidable enemy.
oIce had three rats brought TO me In cage IN
removing one il got hurt ! fed them, and put them
trto stable. The mex, morning there were only swo
rats 10 the cage the injured rat having been set upon
and slain by hs fe low prisoners. Tney had not ony
slain him. but had actually begun to eat him, choosing
the head TO begin upon. Wishing to see the result !
eff him. and in the course Of the day, although well
supplied with bread and milk, these csnnioals had
oesry devoursd their friend. have preserved the
ootes az proof Of the fact. sftervsrd sscertaiued
hat IL was one only Of these rata that Was murder.
ousy inclined for be killed and ate every rat put in to
aim IL the course CT sbout month this brute killed
i've rats that put into Ms cage. He always be-
gan at the neck, just behind the ear gentleman at
Csph am, 10 whom gave some rae had bred nun
Der N . squirrels cage, which was hung up 10 gar
Ten. Ore morning, not long ago, he looked at tne
ret in ir-s white feraale wIthEoung Instead of the
whie rat, he found a great brown male Of the
con Ecn hind cooled up in the nest. The white ono