Flint (MICH) Journal, April 7, 1900, p. 1. RAT STORY BLOOMS THIS YEAR Comes from English and Tells of Great Slaughters of Rodents English, Indiana, April 7-Reports of devastation by hordes of rates now passing through the county continue to be received, and wonderful stories of rat-killing contests are common. Rev. Warren Cole of Marietta records the greatest feat. With the aid of two ferrets and a number of box traps, such as are used in catching rabbits at the mouth of burrows, Cole caught 856 rates within less than ten hours. The traps were emptied into a closed room and half a dozen dogs were turned loose, the rat killing continuing until the rodents were dispatched. All the dogs were more or less injured having been bitten by the rats, many of which fought with desperation. The rats are only found in localities in the county. They seem to be emigrating, traveling in great numbers, and westward bound. Cole lost more than 1,000 bushels of corn and nearly 2,000 pounds of bacon in less than a week. Poultry breeders complain of severe losses. Poison is the common method of killing the vermin, and it is proving very successful.