e come in, is drawn up to the opening of the place by which they
entered, all other ways of retreat being secured. Others, again,
intoxicate or poison them, by mixing with the repast prepared for them
the cocculus indicus, or the nux vomica. A receipt for this purpose has
appeared, which directs four ounces of cocculus indicus, with twelve
ounces of oatmeal, and two ounces of treacle or honey, to be made up
into a moist paste with strong beer; but if the nux vomica be used, a
much less proportion will serve than is here given of the cocculus. Any
similar composition of these drugs, with that kind of food the rats are
most fond of, and which has a strong flavour, to hide that of the drugs,
will equally well answer the end. If, indeed, the cocculus indicus be
well powdered, and infused in strong beer for some time, at least half
the quantity here directed will serve as well as the quantity before
mentioned. When the rats appear to be thoroughly intoxicated with the
cocculus, or sick with the nux vomica, they may be taken with the hand,
and put into a bag or cage, the door of the place being first drawn to,
lest those which have strength and sense remaining should escape. By
these methods, when well conducted, a very considerable part of the rats
in a farm, or other house, and the contiguous buildings, may be taken
and destroyed. But various other methods have been practised.--The
following compositions are advised for destroying these mischievous
creatures, and which are stated to have been attended with great
success. First, to a quart of oatmeal, add six drops of oil of rhodium,
one grain of musk, and two or three of the nuts of nux vomica finely
powdered; make them into pellets, and put them into the rat-holes. This,
it is said, was at first greedily eaten, and did great execution; but
the wise animals, after a time, ceased to eat it. Secondly; this
consisted of three parts of oatmeal and one of stave's-acre, mixed well
into a paste with honey. Pieces of this paste were laid in their holes,
and again did great execution. Thirdly; this is a method of destroying
them by laying a large box down on its front side, with the lid
supported open by a string over a pulley; and by trailing toasted cheese
and a red-herring from their holes to this box, and placing oatmeal and
other food in it, which they are for a few nights to be permitted to eat
unmolested; and finally to watch them by moon-light, the inside of the
box being pain