164 The Mammalia of Essex ; a Contribution toicards a 



SoREx PYGM.EUS. LessGi' Slirew. — There can be no doubt 

 of the specific distinctness of these two shrews {Sorex vuhjaris 

 and S. p!/!/mcFus), and the most easy character to distinguish 

 them is the comparative length of tail. I find them both 

 equally common, either as captured specimens or as dead on 

 the paths in autumn. The colour of the tips of the teeth is 

 not an important point, as it varies much with age ; but I 

 think the hair on the lower parts of S. i)]j()maus will be 

 generally found to be a clearer white than is the case in 

 -S'. vuhjaris. 



SoREx FODiENs. Water Shrew. — This interesting little 

 animal occurs in all parts of the county in suitable localities, 

 usually preferring shallow stagnant waters to quickly running 

 streams ; but it is found occasionally at some distance from 

 water. It is amusing to watch its hunting for food in the 

 half-dry marsh ditches, and I have seen it very commonly 

 in those about Paglesham and Wallasea Island. It is an 

 expert swimmer, but seems to prefer running about under- 

 neath the water, and this it does as freely and with as 

 great apparent comfort as on dry land, using its long snout 

 to turn over any substance which may hide its prey. Its food 

 consists principally of beetles, their larvae, and other insects, 

 as well as fresh-water Crustaceans. 



Sorex TPmifer (the Oared Shrew), formerly considered 

 distinct, is only a dark specimen of S.fodiens, according to 

 the latest authorities. 



Carnivora. Ursid.e. 



Meles taxus. The Badger. — This animal, so well known 

 to most of us by the accounts we have heard from persons of 

 a previous generation, is well-nigh extinct in this country, 

 where fifty years since it was very common : clearance of 

 woods, diminution of hedges, and excessive game preserving, 

 are the most effective causes of this extermination ; and 

 game preserving, as now carried on, will, I fear, not only 

 blot out the poor badger, but every other animal called 

 vermin, by ignorant game-keepers and their masters, whether 

 useful or not. Within the last year two badgers have been 



