it is supposed to disturb the roots of food plants, but 

 its removal of the destructive insect larvae compensates 

 for any damage it might do. It generally prefers to 

 remain above ground, however, and may be seen run- 

 ning over the fallen leaves in the woods, along rail 

 fences, and even in the open fields. 



The shrew nests in an underground shelter, where 

 the mother constructs a bed of grass and leaves. Mating 

 occurs early in the Spring and two or three litters of 

 from four to six young are born during the year. 



The short tailed shrew is about five inches long 

 and the tail measures about one inch. The head is 

 pointed; the eyes are small; and the ears are quite 

 short but visible. All shrews have five toes on each 

 foot, and the fore feet are not modified as in moles. 

 The shrew emits a fetid odor when captured. It does 

 not hibernate, but is active all the year round. 



The Smoky Shrew 



Sorex fumeus fuineus 



The smoky shrew is much larger than the com- 

 mon shrew (Sorex personatus), attaining a length of 

 almost five inches. The tail measures 1.8 inches. The 

 body is slate colored above, becoming slightly paler 

 below. It is similar in habits to the other Shrews. 



The Marsh Shrew 



Neosorex albiharbis 



The marsh shrew is apparently rare in Pennsyl- 

 vania, its general range being Northeastern America. 

 There are very few records of this species in the State, 

 and they are for the Northeastern part. It is quite pos- 

 sible that it exists in the northern part of the Allegheny 



-^ 73 >-- 



