RODENTIA. 



519 



The Water Eat Mus amphibius) is somewhat larger than the 

 common Eat, of a Jeep greyish-brown colour, with the tail as long 

 as the body. It inhabits the banks of streams, and digs in marshy 

 grounds to look for roots ,• it is but an inditferent swimmer and diver. 



The Lemmings (Mus Lemmus), a northern species, the size of a 

 Rat, with fur diversified with yellow and black, are very celebrated 

 for the migrations they make from time to time in innumerable 

 troops. They are said to march in a straight line, neither river, 

 mountain, nor any other obstacle arresting their passage, while they 

 carry devastation into all the lands through which they pass. Their 

 usual habitat seems to be the shores of the icy sea. 



The Dormice (Mi/ozus — Rat with a pointed nose) are pretty little 

 animals, with soft fm-, a hairy or even tufted tail, and animated look ; 



Fig. 445.— dormice. 



they Uve on trees, and feed on fruits ; they pass the winter in a deep 

 lethargic sleep, rolled up into a ball. 



The Rats f3Ius Rattus), properly so called, feed chiefly on vegetable 

 substances, such as grains and roots; but they also devour flesh, 

 and when forced by hunger, ihey mingle in fierce battle, and devour 

 each other. 



The Hamsters f3Ius cricetus) have the same kind of teeth as the 

 Rats, but their tail is short, and the sides of the mouth are furnished 

 with wide sacs or cheek-pouches, serving to transport the grain 

 which they carry to their subterranean abode. 



The Harvest Mouse {3Ius messorius) is the smallest 



