Full Revelations of a Professional Rat-catcher After 25 Years' Experience

by Ike Matthews

"Full Revelations of a Professional Rat-Catcher After 25 Years' Experience" by Ike Matthews is a practical manual written during the late 19th century. This book serves as both a memoir and instructional guide, detailing the author's extensive experience in catching rats, primarily in urban settings like Manchester. It thoroughly covers various methods of rat-catching, discussing the habits and behaviors of rats, and offers insights into the challenges faced by a professional in this niche field. In the book, Matthews shares a wealth of knowledge accumulated over decades, elaborating on techniques for trapping and managing rats in both domestic and commercial environments. He discusses the effectiveness of steel spring traps, the importance of setting them correctly, and the use of ferrets in various settings. Matthews emphasizes the cunning nature of rats and offers anecdotes to illustrate their behaviors, such as their breeding patterns and the damage they can inflict on property. This firsthand account combines practical advice with engaging stories, making it a unique resource for those interested in pest control, animal behavior, or the charmingly quirky profession of a rat-catcher.