The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1877-02-08
HOUSE FARM 6 GARDEN.
DESTROYING Rats and Mice.

priately termed a 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 a
| little care and attention it might be
saved. The destructiveness 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 III
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 rs 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
tf~ Al S.s, or In nct ~Yciy
of their lives, hence they will go from
one barn to another. or even travel
miles III a night to find peaceful,
quiet place where at the same time
food is abundant.
| We have known them to vacate a
farm barn in q 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 III which
one Is 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
es pecial reception where larger ami
mails cannot intrude. A room in the
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 a variety Of
poison5 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 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 poison is
employed, water should 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
| I ~ ba
spot.
AS rats are very intelligent and capa-
bic of warning their fellows Of danger
it is frequently necessary to change
the location Of both traps and poisons
If these animals are very abundant
about ones premises.
Poison No. IA pint Of plaster Paris
thoroughly mixed with a quart Of oat.
meal will prove fatal to either rats OF
mice.
Poison No. 2.-CaTbonate of Barytes
two pounds, common lard, one pound,
mixed together and left where the
rats can find it. 1t is tasteless, odor-
less, and impalpable. but produces ex-
treme thirst, causing death immediate
ly after drinking.
TrRNIPs IN GRAvY.-To a 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 gravy cup Of cream, teas
poonfu1 OF cornsrarch, made smooth
in little cold water and a small lump
Of butter: let it boil; then pour over
the turnip and send to the table i'm
mediately-
| OYSTER FRITTERs.-A pint and
half of sweet milk. one pound and
quarter of -four, four eggs. The yolks
Of the egg must he beaten very thick,
| TO which add the milk and fonr: stir
the whole well togather, then beat the
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