Rat Catchers That Are Paid by the Government.
    Several years ago a letter containing a large sum of money disappeared, from the New York post office, writes Hugh Netherton, in Ladies Home Journal, in telling of “Cats That Draw Salaries.” A month after the disappearance a desk in one of the rooms was moved, and on the floor was found a nest of young rats resting on a bed of macerated greenbacks-all that was left of the missing letter. Uncle Sam at last decided to employ a cat to protect the New York post office from rats and mice. The first appointee in the United States rat and mouse catching service was a large gray tabby. She secured the place through the recommendation of her owner, who certified that she was not only a good mouser, but also a friend of the administration-qualities which she at once exemplified by her work.
    With New York as an example, other post offices asked for cats, and to-day nearly every large office in the United States has its official mouser or rat killer, who receives from nine to twelve dollars a year. This income is expended under the supervision of the postmaster for purchase of food. Milk is the chief item, for the cats are supposed to provide themselves with meat.
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