Introduction

The Rat Its History & Destructive Character With Numerous Anecdotes by James Rodwell is one of the earliest published works focusing solely on the rat, its history, natural history, and methods of disposal. The author states, "I have studied the Nature, Fecundity, and Devastating Character of the Rat, and I have spared neither the time nor trouble in obtaining all the information within my power."

First published in London in 1863, the original edition is an extremely rare item. Read Country Books has now re-published it in its entirety from the original text. Its 312 pages contain twenty-nine detailed and entertaining chapters:

Chapters

- The Different Kinds of Rats, and their Natural History

- The Unreasonable Fear of Rats

- General Characteristics

- Tame Rats

- Rats Nests

- Dietetics of Rats

- Testimonies of Writers and Naturalists

- Predatory and Destructive Habits of Rats

- Thievish Propensities

- The Destruction and Extirpation of Rats

- Wonderful Tales of Rats

- Courage, Ferocity, and Cunning of Rats

- United Attacks of Rats

- Their Natural Weapons

- Articles Manufactured from Rat Skins

- Rats as Human Food

- Whistling Joe, the Hertfordshire Sermulot Hunter and Ratcatcher

- Miscellaneous Anecdotes

- Universal Prevalence and Destructive Habits

- Fecundity of Rats

- Vermin Killers and Rat Matches

- Sewer Rats and Ratcatchers of London

- Ratcatchers and Best Means

- How Farmers should Extirpate Their Vermin

- Natures Methods

- Ratcatching and Killing with Dogs

- Trapping, and the Various Kinds of Rat Traps

- Poisoning of Rats

- Phosphoric Poisons

- etc.

A final lengthy chapter gives some profitable hints on the breeding, feeding, and management of poultry, more especially the Spanish Dorking. This comprehensive and unusual book will appeal to the naturalist, sportsman, gamekeeper, and historian alike. Many of the earliest sporting books, particularly those dating back to the 1800s, are now extremely scarce and very expensive. Read Country Books are reprinting these classic works in affordable, high-quality, modern editions. These editions are republished using the original text and artwork.