A rodent problem

From the Dec. 24, 1842, edition of the Houston Morning Star:

RATS -- These mischievous creatures are becoming quite numerous and troublesome in many parts of the city. They may be easily destroyed by placing a little arsenic mixed with meal near the holes or in the rooms they frequent. They will readily eat the poisoned meal and go off and die in their holes. The weather is so cold and the air so pure at this season, that no injury will result by destroying them in this manner.

Oh, one last sentence:

Great care should be taken to prevent children from tasting the poison.