

WATER SURm^l. —Cro'asojjusfddiejis. 



The Water Shrew is rather common in many parts of England, and may be 

 seen disporting itself by the sides of streams. The Water Shrew finds its food in 

 varions ways. Sometimes it bnrrows in the muddy river banks, rooting in the 

 soft earth Avith its elongated nose, and dislodging the laiTse of certain insects 

 that pass that stage of their existence in the mud. It also chases and captm^es 

 various aquatic insects as they move through the water, and will not disdain to 

 feed upon moths and other similar creatures which have fallen or have been blown 

 into the water and there drowned. 



In all its movements, the Water Shrew is extremely graceful and active, 

 displaying equal agility, whether its movements be terrestrial or aquatic. As the 

 sphere of its vision does not appear to be very extended, it can easily be 

 approached while it is engaged in its little gambols, and can be watched without 

 much difficulty. 



I have repeatedly observed the proceedings of a little colony of these creatures, 

 and was able to sit within a yard or two of their haunts without their cognizance 

 of my presence. They are most sportive little creatures, and seem to enjoy a game 

 of play with thorough appreciation, chasing each other over the ground and 

 through the w ater, running up the stems of aquatic plants, and tumbling off the 

 leaves into the water, scrambling hastily over the stones around which the 

 stream ripples, and playing a thousand little pranks with the most evident enjoy- 

 ment. Then they will suddenly cease their play, and begin to search after insects 

 with the utmost gravity, rooting in the banks, and picking up stray flies, as if 

 they never had anv other business in view. 



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