I have also tried an experiment with the same tub, which consisted of
covering the top of the wet swill with bran, which floated on the
surface, and placing a bit of lumpy swill in the middle of the bran, in
the hope that the Rat would jump on the bran in the expectation of
getting at the swill in the middle. However, it did not do so, no doubt
instinctively guided against the danger.

I have also watched Rats run round a set wire or cage trap for a full
hour. I have seen them go half way in and out again, look at the bait
and never touch it, but go away and never return to the same trap that
night. These examples show the cunning instinct of Rats.

There is, however, one power that the Rat is not favoured with, and I am
afraid if they were they would be a greater pest. It is the ability of
high jumping. A Rat cannot, I think, jump higher than three feet six
inches, and will have to be very hungry before doing that to obtain food.

Many people may not know how fierce Rats are when fighting. Let me
instance. I have often taken, one in each hand, two good Rats from my
cage before a hundred spectators and set the Rats at each other on the
top of a table. To see them fight would be surprising. They will fight
like two bulldogs. When they have got a grip of each other with their
teeth I have taken away my hands, and they have stuck and shook one
another for at least half-a-minute, although you must understand that the
moment they are loose of one another they are off if you don't catch them
again.

There are several other cunning ways of Rats which I can scarcely
explain. One must be amongst them regularly to know their wonderful ways
and habits. Yet another little incident, in conclusion, may be of