British Shrews 



the Shrews are the least known. This is because they 

 are mouse-like, and classed by the rustic as mice in the 

 concrete. They are very pugnacious in character, and 

 may be seen at times chasing each other about the 

 grassy edges of the paths, intent on giving battle to 

 every rival in the field. 



All Shrews own a distinctive musty smell, by no 

 means unpleasant. A cat will slay a Shrew, but seldom 

 eat its victim. The true enemies of the Shrews are 

 Stoats and Weasels, Owls and Kestrel Hawks, 



The Lesser Shrew is by no means so frequently seen 

 as the one just referred to. In some quarters it is 

 fairly numerous, while in other districts it is all but 

 unknown. Compared with the common species it is 

 much smaller, and usually a shade darker in colour. 

 Indeed, the Lesser Shrew is the smallest of all British 

 mammals. In habit it greatly resembles the Common 

 Shrew. 



In almost every portion of the mainland the Water 

 Shrew may be located. It is rather difficult to observe, 

 being aquatic by nature, and usually distributed where 

 the vegetation is rank and apart from the beaten track. 

 But when carefully looked for, the Water Shrew may 

 be found, and when discovered it will be seen to be a 

 very handsome little creature. The pond-side, along a 

 stream-bank, or about a damp ditch, are favourite 

 localities for this animal. It dives quite readily, and 

 as it swims off it leaves a tiny line of air-bubbles that 

 indicate its course. The hind-feet and the underpart 



B.L.M. 9 2 



