DORMOUSE. — Muscardtnus avcUandriu,^, 



The common Dormouse is abundantly 

 found in many districts of England, as well 

 as on the Continent, and is in great favour 

 as a domestic pet. 



The total length of this pretty little 

 animal is rather more than five inches, the 

 tail being two inches and a half long. The 

 colour of its fur is a light reddish-brown 

 upon the back, yellowish- white upon the 

 abdomen, and white on the throat. 



The Dormouse is a nocturnal animal, 

 passing the whole of the day in its warm 

 and neatly constructed nest, which is gene- 

 rally built in the most retired spot of some 

 thick bush or small tree. It is a very 

 active little creature, leaping from branch 

 to branch, and traversing the intricate 

 mazes of the brushwood with such ready 

 agility that it can scarcely be taken by a 

 human hand. Generally, when a Dor- 

 mouse is captured, it is secured while 

 sleeping in its nest, for during its slum- 

 bers it is so deeply buried in repose that 

 it can be handled without oifering resist- 

 ance or attempting escape. The food of 

 the Dormouse consists of various fruits and 

 seeds, such as acorns, nuts, haws, and corn. 



As soon as the weather becomes cold, the Dormouse retires into its nest, 

 there slumbers tlii'oughout the entire winter. 



179 



