Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-01-31

min consume food which is SO much
needed by more useful animals, when,
by little care and attention it might
be saved. The destructiv Of rats
and mice, however, does not stop with
the grain they gnaw holes through
bins, barrels and other vessels, frequent
ly letting their contents run to waste
besides, harness, carriage robes, blank
cts grain bags and various other arti-
cles are ia constant danger of being
destroyed by the pests.
But, say some of our correspondents,
1--WE have tried almost everything, 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 an apparent dimunition OF
their numbers, all of which may be
true, but it is q question if the few des-
trOyed by these means have not been 8
benefit. Rats are migratory in their
habits, and they very soon discover
where the best food can DE obtained at
the least risk of their lives, hence they
will go from one barn to another, or
even travels miles in night to find a
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 which ones
premises, especially farm buildings,
can be freed from this vermin, and that
is by poisoning. But before a man
attempts to make 8 raid ON rats and
mice with such weapons, he should pre-
pare a private apartment for their
especial reception where larger animals
cannot intrude. A room in the cellar
or attic may be set apart for this pur-
pose, or even q large box will answer,
the entrance to it being just large
enough to admit the victims. Then
q royal feast may be prepar-
ed 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 enticed into new quarters
in search of better food. But after
battling them for a few days the work
of destruction may be begun, Of
course, there are variety of poisons
which can 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, consequently
we recomm end some kind not quite as
dangerous as PHOSPHORUS paste and
strychnine, although these can under
many circumstances be used with safe
ty. But whatever poison is employed,
water should always be placed con-
veniently at hand, and inside of the
room or box where the poisoned food
is set, in order that the rats may Quench
their thirst and die On the 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 poisons if the
animals are very abundant about the
premises.
Poison No. IA pint of plaster of
Paris thoroughly mixed with quart of
oatmeal will prove fatal to either rats
or mice.
Poison No. 2.-Carbonate of Barytes
two pounds, common lard, one pound,
mixed together and left where the rats
can find it. 1t is tasteless, odorless,
and impalpable, and produces extreme
thirst, causing death Immediately after
drinking.-ButaIo Com. Aduertiser.