NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



The number of young at a birth varies consider- 

 ably, at least in Europe, where it averages from 

 four to seven, and sometimes more. In South 

 Africa I have never found more than five in a nest, 

 or in a pregnant female. The young v^hen born 

 are blind, helpless and toothless. 



Shrews begin to breed as soon as the warm 

 weather sets in, and cease in the autumn. October, 

 November and December were the months I 

 generally found nests of young Shrews. 



In Europe and other countries where the winter 

 is very cold, and insect life exceedingly scarce, the 

 Shrews seek out some snug, sheltered situation, and 

 hibernate until the return of the warm weather, 

 which brings with it an abundance of insect life. 

 Shrews vary in their habits in the winter in South 

 Africa. In those districts where the winter is very 

 cold and sharp frosts prevail, the Shrew lies dormant 

 and bereft of the power of movement. It is usual, 

 however, in South Africa during the winter months 

 for the late afternoons, nights and mornings to be 

 very cold ; but towards midday and during the 

 early part of the afternoon the sun's rays cause a 

 rapid rise in the temperature of the air. This 

 midday warmth galvanises the Shrews into activity, 

 and they issue forth in search of food, which can 

 be obtained to a limited extent. To satisfy their 

 appetite at these times they do not hesitate to 

 devour one another. Even during the summer- 

 time, should two males meet, they fight fiercely, 



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