151, AKIN A IJKKYK AUDA. l6/ 



large adult male, weighed just 17 grammes. No sooner did the 

 Shrew become aware of the presence of the mouse than he gave 

 chase. The mouse, though much larger than the Shrew, showed no 

 disposition to fight, and his superior agility enabled him, for a long 

 time, easily to evade his pursuer, for at a single leap he would pass 

 over the latter's head and to a considerable distance beyond. The 

 Shrew labored at great disadvantage, not only from his inability to 

 keep pace with the mouse, but also, and to a still greater extent, 

 from his defective eyesight. He frequently passed within two inches 

 (31 mm.) of the mouse without knowing of his whereabouts. But 

 he was persistent, and explored over and over again every part ot 

 the box, constantly putting the mouse to flight. Indeed, it was by 

 sheer perseverance that he so harassed the mouse, that the latter, 

 fatigued by almost continuous exertion, and also probably weakened 

 by fright, was no longer able to escape He was first caught by the 

 tail ; this proved a temporary stimulant, and he bounded several 

 times across the box, dragging his adversary after him. The Shrew 

 did not seem in the least disconcerted at being thus harshly jerked 

 about his domicil, but continued the pursuit with great determination. 

 He next seized the mouse in its side, which resulted in a rough and 

 tumble, the two rolling over and over and biting each other with 

 much energy. The mouse freed himself, but was so exhausted that 

 the Shrew had no difficulty in keeping alongside, and soon had him 

 by the ear. The mouse rolled and kicked and scratched and bit, but 

 to no avail. The Shrew was evidently much pleased and forthwith 

 began to devour the ear. When he had it about half eaten -off the 

 mouse again tore himself free ; but his inveterate little foe did not 

 suffer him to escape. This time the Shrew clambered up over his 

 back and was soon at work consuming the. remainder of the ear. 

 This being satisfactorily accomplished, he continued to push on in 

 the same direction till he had cut through the skull and eaten the 



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brains, together with the whole side of the head and part of the 

 shoulder. This completed his first meal, which occupied not quite 



