THE FIELD MOUSE 521 
seeds of which and of other plants it probably eats, with the 
addition of the varied dainties cast up by the waves. Its 
adaptability is so wide that it thrives equally well in the flower- 
beds of Regent’s Park, London, and on the lonely hills of 
Sutherland.1. As an instance of its powers of surviving in 
unusual situations—-Mr J. E. Harting once caught one which 
landed at Dobbin Island, Pagham Harbour, Sussex,’ Mr G. T. 
Rope has observed one swim out leisurely into the centre of a 
pond,’ a correspondent of Mr H. E. Forrest (VV. Wades, 1907, 
50) watched one swim a considerable distance across flood 
water at Llanderfel, and Mr Millais (p. 195), suggests that it 
is capable of swimming 200 yards without fatigue. It is, of 
course, a much wider wanderer than any of the “ Voles,” and 
predominantly, if not entirely nocturnal,* which is no doubt 
a cause of its prominent round eyes, recalling those of the 
Dormouse. Yet, like the Common Shrew and Bank Mouse, it 
may be trapped by daylight, so that it is unsafe to lay down 
an absolute rule of conduct for it. Individuals of nocturnal 
animals found out by day are usually either feeble, sick, or senile. 
Where it abounds, it may be found at night, if searched for 
with a lantern, bounding along in a peculiar zigzag and erratic 
manner,’ remotely resembling the movements of a kangaroo 
or gerboa, and at all times, even when it walks, its long hind 
feet give it a characteristic ‘“‘action” in moving about, which 
is probably its most peculiar feature ; and Mr Douglas English 
has known one to leap down 15 feet, and proceed unhurt, 
thus showing the elasticity of its limbs. The tracks of the 
Field Mouse (Fig. 85) are characterised by the length of the 
median tail mark; Adams has observed them in snow extend- 
ing for a distance of 100 yards—clear proof that these mice 
roam comparatively far from their homes. It sits bolt upright, 
using the tail for support. 
Its large ears appear capable of detecting the slightest 
sound ; they twitch convulsively at a chirp or whistle so faint 
1 Millais (189). 
c 4 aaa in British Museum of Natural History ; see also Harting, Zoologist, 
°; Penaiih 1891, 185. 4 Lataste; Rope, Zoologist, 1887, 201. 
5 Rope, Zoologtst, 1887, 206. I made similar observations respecting the nocturnal 
Muride in South Africa (Barrett-Hamilton). 
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