39 



accommodate a single shrew, radiated from the burrow as a centre, 

 each extending about seven or eight feet in length. These were 

 crossed by parallel semicircular tracks about a foot apart, the entire 

 ground plan giving much the idea of a geometric spider's web cut 

 in half. Along these tracks, lengthwise and crosswise indiscrimi- 

 nately, the youngsters chased each other with almost lightning 

 speed. Should any two of their number chance to "foreset" each 

 other, there was a squabble, and much shrill recrimination 

 resulted. When tired with racing along, they would suddenly 

 scuttle into the burrow, only to return in a few minutes and renew 

 their frantic exertions. Their speed was so great, that although I 

 sat within reach of the inner line of tracks, I failed to capture any 

 of their number, and was obliged to give up the attempt. Shrews 

 feed on worms, grubs, caterpillars, etc.; and the bill of fare of the 

 Water Shrew doubtless includes aquatic insects, such as the larvae 

 of the ephemera, etc. 



I must here conclude my remarks for the present. I had 

 purposed to include the Bats, etc., of the district in my Notes, but 

 my information is hardly sufficiently accurate to warrant my prose- 

 cution of that intention at present. 



