Mole-shrew 1129 



linensis, he adds: "We observed on the sides of one of 

 these galleries a small cavity containing a hoard of coleopterous 

 insects, principally composed of a rare species {Scarabceus 

 tityus), fully the size of the animal itself; some of them were 

 nearly consumed, and the rest mutilated, although still living." 



All the Shrews are heavy drinkers, which is one reason for drink. 

 their choice of habitat. The Blarina is no exception to this 

 rule. 



To our ears the cries of Bats and Shrews are much alike — voice 

 a sharp, high-pitched twittering, or a screech as sharp and fine 

 as a needle. Doubtless each emotion of each species has an 

 individual and characteristic sound to express it, but such things 

 are as yet beyond our poor powers of discrimination. When 

 our inventors give us a practical field microphone we shall be 

 able, doubtless, to enter a hitherto unexplored wonderland of 

 sound, experiencing many new delights and, doubtless, also 

 some new sorrows. 



Kennicott says" of the Mole-shrew which he had captive: 

 "When hurt or irritated, it uttered a short, sharp, tremulous 

 note, like zee-e, and when it was much enraged this note 

 became longer, harsher, and twittering, like that of some 

 buntings or sparrows. Sometimes a short, clear cry was 

 uttered, the voice calling to mind that of the common Mink 

 (Putortiis vison), but softer and lower." 



Correlating with its vocal powers, the Blarina is possessed hear- 

 of exquisite hearing, associated with which is a fine discrimina- 

 tion that stands between the creature and a world of false- 

 alarms. A. F. Shull found that a captive specimen soon be- 

 came oblivious to sounds that were often repeated. No matter 

 how heavy, harsh, or piercing the noise, the Shrew soon learned 

 to hear it with indifference. There was, however, one notable 

 exception. "The flutter of wings of a pigeon kept in the same 

 vivarium, on the other hand, always sent the Shrew skurrying 



" Quad. Ill, 1858, p. 96. 



