74 PONDS, PADDOCKS, AND AVIARIES 



of killing and devouring one another. I have found 

 this to be the case even when I had only a pair 

 together. 



" The only animal of the shrew family that I ever 

 attempted to keep was a Spanish trumpet shrew {Mygale 

 pyrenaicum), and he declined all food, and died in a day or 

 two ; but no doubt the thing is to be done, and I should 

 suggest some arrangement of the nature of a small 

 aquarium."^ 



''April 2stk, 1893. 



" I do not think that any variety in food would alter 

 the vicious propensity in the harvest mice ; I used to 

 give my former captives of this species meal worms, 

 flies, moths, beetles, besides their usual food of wheat, in 

 grain and green, and every sort of garden produce. I 

 may mention that my present lot were sent to me by 

 my old friend F. H. Salvin (of whom you probably know 

 something), from his place near Guildford. With per- 

 forated zinc tops, I do not think you need fear any 

 condensation in glass cases ; I only use the jar to have 

 the pleasure of seeing the harvesters run up and down 

 the stem's of seed and long grasses. 



" I think that your sexual theory in re harvest mice 

 is very likely correct, but I do not pretend to pronounce 

 positively." ° 



iTo the Editor. 

 ^ To the same. 



