160 MAMMALS OF BERMUDA. 



many years before the wreck of Sir George Somers' vessel, which is so 

 graphically described in the work referred to. And it is, moreover, very 

 probable that the tree or roof rat, which was an Old World species origin- 

 ally from Egypt and Kubia, from which it was taken to Italy and Spain,* 

 was introduced into the Bermudas by the several wrecks of Spanish ves- 

 sels which during the sixteenth century were evidently cast upon them. 

 Many of these vessels were possibly cast away on the western reefs, as 

 are most of the vessels voyaging from the West Indies to Europe at the 

 present day. In this case the rats would have landed on the shores of 

 Somerset parish, which face these reefs, and finding ample food for some 

 years for their wants, would have had no occasion to migrate to other 

 parts of the group. But after a lapse of a few years, taking into con- 

 sideration the fecundity of the race in a genial climate, and the absence 

 of all enemies, their numbers would increase so prodigiously that all 

 available food would be consumed and a migration rendered absolutely 

 necessary. Thus would occur the sudden invasion made upon the crops 

 and stores of the early settlers who were established at the east end of 

 the islands, for by the natural instinct granted to all animals, the posi- 

 tion of food in plenty would soon be discovered, especially by these 

 starving creatures. 



The tree rat is very fond of fruits, and will climb up and do great dam- 

 age, especially to crops of oranges. We have reason to believe that it 

 is this species which is also so destructive to the root crop. In common 

 with the brown rat, they will frequent stables for the purpose of pro- 

 curing the oats or Indian corn given to the horses, but while the lat- 

 ter species generally makes its exit when surprised by holes in the 

 floor, the former takes to the roof and escapes by the opening under 

 the eaves. It builds its nests either in the dilapidated roofs of old 

 houses or outhouses, or in trees. In the latter case it chooses various 

 l^ositions, but generally one which enables it to rest secure from the 

 effects of the heavy gales of wind which are of frequent occurrence. 

 We have found them as high as 20 feet from the ground, situate in an 

 angle formed by the bole of an aged cedar and a lateral branch of the 

 same; also within a few feet of the ground, in the fork of a branch of 

 cedar. Again, in a low bush in a swamp, a few feet above the stagnant 

 water. The nests which occur in the cedars are composed entirely of 

 the bark of the same trees, called "bass" by the islanders; the long, 

 coarse strips outside, while within, the substance gets finer and finer. 



* Baird, Mammals of North America. 



