CONTENTS. 



Page, 



Introduction 5 



Classification of field mice •_ 8 



Species and distribution 9 



Habits of field mice 10 



Nests and trails 10 



Breeding habits 11 



Food habits 13 



Three typical species . 15 



I. The common meadow mouse {MicrotuH pennsylimniciis) 15 



II. The prairie mouse {Mivrotus ochrogaster) • 18 



III. The pine mouse {Microtus pinetonun scalopsoides) 19 



Damage by field mice 22 



Damage to meadows and pastures 22 



Damage to grains and forage 2.3 



Damage to garden (Tops 23 



Damage to small fruits 24 



Damage to nursery stock 24 



Injury to orch<ards 25 



Injury to forest trees 2(j 



Damage to parks and lawns 27 



Studios in an orchard 27 



The relation of field mice to the farmer 30 



Reports from farmers and others 30 



Reports from nurserymen and orchardists 33 



Economic status of field mice 37 



Repression of field mice — natural agencies 37 



Climatic influences 37 



Epidemic diseases 1 38 



Natural enemies of field mice 38 



Mammals that destroy field mice 39 



r.irds that destroy field mice 42 



Snakes 53 



Repression of field mict; — active measiu'es 54 



Trapping ^ 54 



Cultivation 55 



Other mechanical devices 50 



Poison hig 5(j 



Strychnine ■- 1 56 



C)ther poisons . 57 



Additi(mal methods of poisoning .* 59 



Fumigation ^ 59 



Micro-organisms 00 



Recommendations to farmers 00 



Trevention of in.jin-y to orchards and nurseries 00 



Remedies for injured- trees 02 



Summary : 03 



Literature ! 04 



