The universal directory for taking alive and destroying rats

Transcriber’s Note:
New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.
By ROBERT SMITH,
Late Rat-Catcher to the Princess Amelia.
ILLUSTRATED WITH CUTS.
The THIRD EDITION.
LONDON:
Printed for J. WALKER, No. 44, Pater-noster-row.
M.DCC. LXXXVI.
The Public are requested to observe, the two preceding Editions of this Book were sold at the extravagant Price of £1 1 s. in consequence of which, Copies have been of late particularly scarce and valuable, the Publisher has reprinted the Work at the low Price of Three Shillings only, with all the Embellishments of Plates, &c.
However trifling and contemptible the following Treatise may appear to some persons, the author flatters himself that it will be productive of great public utility, although the subject is but low and humble.
Many ingenious writers have greatly distinguished themselves in treating of that noble and useful animal the horse; of the method of breeding horned cattle, sheep, and other animals, serviceable and beneficial to mankind; this little work, on the contrary, takes cognizance of those animals, noxious to the community, describes their wonderful wilyness and sagacity, and the uncommon and surprizing methods they take for self-preservation and getting their prey; the research, may, perhaps, give the reader great satisfaction, for the infinite wisdom of the great Creator is as conspicuous in a mole as in a camel, in an ant as in a lion.