Could you catch a rat with your bare hands?

Summary

The main theme is the historical profession of rat catching in 19th-century American cities due to rodent infestations. Key references include the growth of cities, the term "mischief" for a group of rats, and the use of various methods like tongs, traps, ferrets, and terriers. The practical takeaway is that these early rat catchers were essential public health providers whose work evolved into the modern pest control industry.