WATER-SHREW. 8 J 



Sorex bicolor^ Shaw, Nat. Miscell. vol. ii. pi. 55 (1791). 

 Sorex ciliatus^ Sowerby, Brit. Miscell. p. 103 pi. xlix. (1805). 

 Crossopus fodiens^ Wagler, Isis 1832, p. 275 ; Bell, British 



Quadrupeds 2nd ed. p. 149 (1874). 

 Crossopus rei7iifer, Wagler, torn. at. 



Amphisorex pennanti et A, linneaniis^ Gray, Ann. Mag. Nat. 

 Hist. vol. ii. p. 287 (1838). 



{Plate VII.) 



Characters. — Larger than either of the British species of Sorex^ 

 with the tail about two-thirds the length of the head and body. 

 In colour, typically black above and white beneath, with a 

 sharp division between the two, but frequently with the black 

 of the back extending to a portion or the whole of the inferior 

 surface, while in some cases the latter may be tinged with 

 rusty. The stiff fringing hairs of the tail and feet white. 

 Length of head and body about 2,% i^^ches; of tail, 2315^ inches. 



The great variation in the colouring of the Water-Shrew gave 

 rise to the idea that there were two British representatives of 

 the genus, although it is now well ascertained that such varia- 

 tions are merely individual. 



Distribution. — The Water-Shrew is met with in suitable 

 localities in many parts of Europe, whence it extends eastwards 

 through Northern Asia as far as the Altai Mountains. Through- 

 out most districts in England and Wales it is far from uncommon 

 in the neighbourhood of brooks and streams, although, from the 

 nature of its habits, it is not often seen, unless special search be 

 made. According to the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, although 

 they seem to be rare in the Lake district, yet the number of 

 specimens killed by Cats, together with the presence of their 

 remains among the debris rejected by Owls, shows that this is 

 not really the case. Both the dark and pied varieties are met 

 with in this part of the country. In Scotland, as a whole, the 

 Water-Shrew appears to be a less common animal than in 

 5 ^ 



