The White-Footed Mouse 129 
and if disturbed they hasten out, making their way 
along the branches to the ground. If the disturbance 
is slight, they come out upon the branches, gaze about 
on all sides and gently sniff the air, not returning 
until they are satisfied that all danger has passed. 
Among the various species of mice there has been 
found from time to time the “singing mouse,’’ and 
even among the white-footed variety it is no exception, 
according to a note that appeared in the American 
Naturalist several years ago by Mr. Hiskey, who 
wrote as follows: 
“T was sitting a few evenings since, not far from a 
half-open closet door, when I was startled by a sound 
issuing from the closet, of such marvelous beauty 
that I at once asked my wife how Bobbie Burns (our 
canary) had found his way into the closet, and what 
could start him to singing such a queer and sweet song 
in the dark. I procured a light, and found it to be a 
mouse! He had filled an overshoe from a basket of 
popcorn which had been popped and placed in the 
closet in the morning. Whether this rare collection of 
food inspired him with song I know not, but I had 
not the heart to disturb his corn, hoping to hear from 
him again. Last night his song was renewed. I ap- 
proached with a subdued light and with great caution, 
and had the pleasure of seeing him sitting among his 
