$210
Smith, Robert, Rat-catcher. The Universal Directory for Taking Alive and Destroying Rats and other Kinds of Four-Footed and Winged Vermin . London: Printed for the Author, 1768. Octavo, first edition, with a post-edition printed note on the verso of the title, advising copyright protection, the illustrated with six engraved plates (four folding), bound in speckled tan calfskin, spine somewhat dry and abraded, covers attached, contents mostly clean with some offsetting. In addition to sharing his rat-catching expertise, Smith also offers advice on how one might capture various other unfortunate creatures, such as the house cat turned wild, and the sheep-killing dog. He describes how to catch otters, badgers and owls. But he seems to have a soft spot for the dormouse. He calls it "the most harmless and inoffensive of all the mouse-tribe. It is a very beautiful tame little animal, and is kept by many persons in small boxes or cages, and fed with crumbs of bread."
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-11-18
