lO Adams, Life of the Co^nnioii and the Lesser Shrew. 



EXPLANATION OF THE CHART. 



The lines indicate the growth of average-sized Common 

 Shrews from the time they leave the nest, the numbers being 

 the measurements of the head-and-body in millimeters. 



Quitting the nest from early in June to late October with 

 head-and-body measurement of 60 mm. they quickly reach 

 70 mm., at which size they remain right through the winter, with 

 an increase of, perhaps, 1 or 2 mm., and suddenly start growing 

 again in May, attaining their maximum in June and July ; in 

 autumn they diminish in numbers and disappear. The almost 

 stationary state during the winter is very noteworthy, as is the 

 sudden growth when the breeding season approaches. 



Of course these lines on the chart are ideal and only show 

 a rough average ; now and then the sizes of the young and old 

 will overlap but not often. It is always perfectly easy to 

 determine to which generation an individual belongs — colour, 

 state of moult and development of genitals all being sure 

 indications. 



