Studies in the Art of Rat-catching

"Studies in the Art of Rat-catching" by Henry C. Barkley is a distinctive how-to book focused on teaching the craft of rat-catching. The book acts as a guide for new rat-catchers and young students wanting to learn about the job, mixing hands-on tips with stories from the writer's own life. Using lively stories and helpful information, it hopes to spark an interest in this countryside hobby while teaching readers about the equipment, methods, and creatures involved; the story starts with the writer talking about why he wrote the book, inspired by talks with young fans who wanted to learn about rat-catching, and then, after a fun introduction, the author starts explaining the details of taking care of ferrets, important helpers in the trade, discussing their care, traits, and how to pick the right ferrets for rat-catching, beginning a complete guide meant to teach and entertain readers while offering a look back at a working man's life in the English countryside.