THE LEROT. 591 
THERE are many species of Jerboidie inhabiting different countries, all of which are 
very similar in shape and habits. Among these may be noticed the ALACTAGA, or 
Jumping Rabbit of Siberia, and the GERBILLEs of Africa and India. 
Next in order to the Gerboas is placed the small group of animals which are sufficiently 
familiar by the name of Dormice. This term signifies “Sleepy Mouse,” and is most 
appropriate to the lethargic little creatures, which spend the greater part of their time in 
somnolency. One of these animals, the Lorre, or Far Dormouss, is celebrated in classical 
literature as being in great request among the luxurious Romans as an article of diet. For 
this purpose the Loire was carefully fattened, being placed in certain receptacles, which 
were called Gliaria, from the Latin word glis, which signifies a dormouse. The Loire is 
found in almost all the warmer portions of Europe, but is seldom seen at any great 
elevation above the level of the sea. 
The Leror, or GARDEN Dormotss, inhabits the same localities as the loire, but its 
flesh is not eatable like that of the Fat Dormouse, although it resembles it very nearly in 
every point but size. 
The total length of this animal is rather more than eight inches, of which measurement 
the tail occupies three inches. The general colour of its fur is grey, deeply tinged with 
red upon the back, and becoming white . 
upon the abdomen. Below the eye is a 
patch of black fur, which extends nearly 
to the ears. The tail of the Lerot is 
covered with short black hair, changing 
rather abruptly into white at its extre- 
mity. It has derived its title of Garden 
Dormouse from its annoying habit of 
entering gardens and making sad havoc of 
the choicest fruit; for it is an animal of 
great taste, and makes its selection among 
the ripest and best fruits with an accuracy 
of judement that may be highly agreeable 
to itself, but is sincerely execrated by the 
owner of the garden. Itis particularly fond 
of espalier-trained fruit-trees, and is much 
given to devouring the peaches when they 
are just in their bloom of rosy perfection. 
The Lerot is not content with making 
these autumnal raids upon the gardens, 
but is sufficiently provident to lay up a 
store of food for the winter, and for that 
purpose to carry off corn, peas, and beans 
in no small quantity. Its winter nest is 
made in some convenient recess, where 
six or eight Lerots congregate, and pass 
the cold wintry months in a_ slumber 
which is almost unbroken, except by the needful occasional wakines for the purpose 
of taking food. In summer time it makes a temporary nest in hollow trees, holes 
in old walls, or in similar localities, and reposes during the daytime upon a bed of dried 
erass and leaves. Sometimes it is so bold that it will make its way into human 
habitations, and establish itself in the very home of the justly incensed owner of the 
garden. 
The young Lerots enter upon their existence in the middle of summer, and grow with 
wonderful rapidity. They do not, however, become parents in their turn until the following 
year. The average number of young Lerots which are produced at a single birth is from 
four to six. 
LEROT.—Myoxus quercinus. 
