Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

     An amusing experiment on rats was recently perpetrated in a mercantile house in Petersburg, Vt. Two of these animals had been trapped, and it was decided to try the effect of whisky upon them. Forty drops were administered to each of them by force, and the result awaited. They were placed in a wide deep box, into which some trash and gravel had been thrown. A saucer of whisky was also placed therein. For a while all was silent, each rat having seated himself in a corner, where he remained as morose as a rat could be. By and by, however, the liquor began to work. The rats began to smile and play with their tails; then to jump up and squeak; then to fall down and roll over. Finally one of them found the saucer, and, with the peculiar curiosity of their race, dipped his nose into it. He drank and the noise of his drinking brought his companion to his side. They drank as though they were really fond of the stuff, and it is estimated more than eighty drops. And now they got glorious. They kissed each other-an act two rats were never guilty of before. They wrestled and kicked up shines generally. They revisited the saucer, and they got mad over it. A rough and tumble fight ensued, which lasted until both were exhaused. Then they remained for a while each with a paw to his nose, grinning at each other. Finally they both fell asleep, and while both were gloriously unconscious, a terrier was dropped beside them. The curtain falls.