See Mus. MAMMALIA Index; and for an account of the methods of destroying rats, see VERMIN, Destruction of.

Rat-Island, a small detached part of the island of Lundy, off the north coast of Devon. Though noted in Donn's map of the county, it is not worth mention here, but as giving opportunity to subjoin a farther notice of Lundy, which island was purchased a few years since by Mr Cleveland, M. P. for about 1200 guineas, who has a small villa on it: not more than 400 acres are cultivated: it is let altogether for 70l. a-year. The soil is good, though no trees will grow on the island. It has fine springs of water: the houles are seven: the inhabitants, men, women, and children, do not exceed 24. The bird called murr, whose eggs are very large and fine, the Lundy parrot, and rabbits, are the chief produce; these abound, and are taken for the feathers, eggs, and skins, principally. They have now (1794) 75 bullocks and 400 sheep, but the latter do not thrive. They pay no taxes: fishing skiffs often call with necessaries: the situation is very pleasant, and the rocks around, which are large, and partly granite, are wild and romantic. It had probably more inhabitants once, as human bones have been ploughed up. It has no place of worship, and no public-house; but strangers are always welcome. Eight cannon lie on the battlements on the top of a very steep precipice, under which is a curious cavern. Lord Gower, Mr Benson, and Sir J. B. Warren, K. B. have been former proprietors. See LUNDY.

RAT-Tails, or Arrefts. See Farriery Index.