CHAPTER IX 



SHREIV MOUSE, OR RAN A, AND SQUIRRELS 



This strange little creature is not uncommon in the Broad- 

 land ; and you may often find its nest in the marsh bottoms, 

 with four or five young shrew mice inside. 



The shrew mouse is a frog-killer, and has a peculiar love 

 for cinders, which he will carry away from the cottagers' 

 fireplaces. He is useless for eating — even a cat will not 

 touch him. 



Squirrels 



Are not uncommon in the plantings on the broad edges, 

 where they may be seen feeding on the deal-apples, as the 

 Broadsmen call the fir-cones; nuts and acorns too they are 

 fond of. On snowy nights they descend from their trees, 

 and you may see their " feetings " the next morning all 

 about the cam Should you catch one, you will find him 

 full of fleas, especially between the legs. Stoats sometimes 

 chase them, but "pug" generally manages to escape, an he 

 can get to a tree first — he is a much more daring jumper. 



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