The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1877-02-08
HOUSE FARM & GARDEN.
Destroying Rats and Mice.


priately termed huge ''ratary, from
the number Of these destructive little
animals which infest it. The amount
of grain destroyed by few dozen rats
would keep a hog or cow through win
ter, and it is pity to let such vermin
consume food which is SO much need.
ed by more useful animals, when, by
little care and attention it might be
saved. The destructiveDesS Of rats
and mice however does not stop with
the grain they consume, but they gnaw
holes through his bins, barrels and
other vessels, frequently letting their
contents run to waste, besides, har-
ness, carriage robes, blankets, grain
bags and variouSs other articles are in
constant danger of being destroyed by
the pests.
But, say some of our correspondents
1--WE have tried almost every
thing, to rid our premises Of this pest,
all to no purpose, and here they are
this winter as abundant as ever The
dog, cat. and trap have all made war
upon the rats without any apparent
diminution Of their numbers, all of
which may be true, but it is a ques-
ton if the few destroyed by these
means have not been benefit. Rats
are migratory in their habits, and they
very soon discover where the best
food can be obtained at the least risk
of their lives, hence they will go from
one barn to another, or even travel
miles in night to find peaceful,
quiet place where at the same time
food is abundant.
We have known them to vacate a
farm barn in night, in consequence
Of one Of their number being severely
wounded with shot. Then, again no
amount of shooting, harrassing with
dogs, and traps, would make them
leave, still there is way in whicE
ones premises, especially farm-build-
ings can be freed from this vermin,
and that is by poisoning. But before
man attempts to make raid on rats
and mice with such weapons, he should
prepare private apartment for their
especial reception where larger ami
mails cannot intrude. A room u me
cellar or attic may be set apart for
this purpose, or even large box will
answer, the entrance to it being just
large enough to admit the victims;
Then royal feast may be prepared
for them Of dainty bits of cheese,
bread and oatmeal cake, but not at first
poisoned, for when there is plenty OF
grain about, rats are not readily entic
ed into new quarters III search of better
food, But after batting them for a
few days the work Of destruction may
be begun.
OF course, there are variety Of
poisons which cal be used, but some
Of them are quite too dangerous to
have about where there are dogs, cats
and other larger animals who may pick
and eat a poisoned rat or mouse, con
sequently we recommend some kind not
quite as dangerous as phosphorus
paste and strychnine, although these
can under many circumstances be USED
with safety. But whatever poi5o i!
employed, water should be placed con
veniently at hand, and inside Of thu
room or box where the poisoned fool
is set, in order that the rats may
quench their thirst and die on thu
spot.
AS rats are very intelligent and capa
BILE of warning their fellows Of danger
it is frequently necessary to change
/ the location Of both traps and poisOni
If these animals are very abundant
about ones premises.
i Poison No. IA pint of plaster Pari.
thoroughly mixed with quart Of oat
meal will prove fatal to either rats o.
mice.
Poison No. 2.-Carbonate Of Baryte!
two pounds, common lard, one pound
mixed together and left where the
rats can End it. 1t is tastrless, odor
less, and impalpable, but produces ex
treme thirst, causing death immediate
1y after drinking.
| TURNIPs IN GRAyY.-To pound Of
turnips, sliced and cut into dies, pour
a quarter-pint Of veal gravy; add a
small lump Of sugar. some salt and
pepper: boil them till tender. but not
broken; lift them out into dish; add
to the gravya cup Of cream, teas
poonful Of cornsrarch, made smooth
in a little cold water and small lump
Of butter: let it boil; then pour over
the tnrnip and send to the table i'm
Imediately-
/ OYSTER FRITTERs.--A pint and a
half of sweet milk, one pound and q
quarter Of -four, four eggs. The yolks
of the egg must he beaten very thick,
to which add the milk and -four: stir
the whole well togather, then beat the
urh;fac III d ufiff frrfh and ctr +ha~n