CLEVER RATS.

Western Star, Issue 1576, 4 July 1891, Page 4

CLEVER RATS.

A corresponded t writes:—l have sem; from time to time in your valuable journal .several instances of the sagacity of the lower animals. Perhaps die following 'rue story may interest some of your numerous readers. I was taking a look round the farm the other evening, and on passing the byre heard a slight noise. I looked in at an open window and saw a most interesting sight. A pail of milk stood in one corner, and a few inches above it bung a board, on which was seated four large rats, each holding a straw between its foie claws, the one ond of which dipped into the milk can, and the other was in (heir mouths. Judging from the sucking noise they were making, they mu A have been very “ drouth v ” and were evidently enjoying their drink. This went on for about ten minutes, and they were growing visibly larger before they seemed to have had em ugh. First one stopped, and then am ther The milk seemed to have an irritating effect upon their systems, for ihey began to light with each other, with the result that one of their number was precipitated into the can. And now a mo t astonishing thing hap pened. Without the slightest he:ilaLior. the other three ran to a corner whine a piece of rope lay, brought it to the edge of the can, and let it down to their fallen comrade v. bo immediately sciz d it, climbed out, Cooly shook himself, and then they all scampered oft’, seemingly very good friends. The quiet, methodical way in which it all took place was most interesting and inlinately amusing, and says, J think, a great deal for an animal vliich is commonly looked upon with such abhorrence. — Weikly Telegraph.