There are two kinds known in this country—the Black Rat, which was formerly universal, but is now very rarely seen, having been almost all destroyed by the large brown kind, generally distinguished by the name of the Norway Rat. This formidable invader is now found throughout the country, from whence every method has been tried in vain to expel it. It is about nine inches long; of a light brown colour, the throat and under part of a dirty white inclining to grey; its feet are naked, and of a pale flesh colour; and the tail is as long as the body. It is a very bold little animal, and when closely pursued, will turn and fasten on its assailant. Its bite is keen, and the wound it inflicts is painful, and difficult to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long, sharp, and irregular. It is a very singular fact in the history of these animals, that the skins of such as have been devoured in their holes, (and they frequently feed upon each other,) have been found curiously turned inside out; every part being completely turned, even to the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed, it would be difficult to discover; but it appears to be effected by some peculiar mode of eating out the contents. Besides the numbers that perish in this unnatural way, they have many fierce and terrible enemies that take every opportunity to destroy them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE WATER RAT. [Illustration: THE WATER RAT. ] The Water Rat is somewhat smaller than the common brown Rat; its head and nose are thicker; its eyes are small; its ears short, scarcely appearing through the hair; its teeth are large, strong and yellow. In an old one, the lower front teeth measure somewhat more than half an inch in length. The hair on its head and body is thicker and longer than that of the common Rat, and chiefly of a dark brown colour, mixed with red; the belly is grey; the tail five inches long, covered with short black hairs, and the tip of the tail is white. The Water Rat generally frequents the sides of rivers, ponds, and ditches, where it burrows, and forms its nest. It feeds on frogs, small fish, and spawn; swims and dives remarkably fast; and can continue a long time under water. The Musk Rat somewhat resembles the one just described. The eyes are large; the ears short, rounded, and covered both inside and outside with hair. Its fur is soft, glossy, and of a reddish-brown colour; and beneath this is a much finer fur or thick down, which is very useful in the manufacture of hats. The tail is flattened and covered with scales. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE MOUSE. [Illustration: THE MOUSE. ]