MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 47 
are reddish brown. Tail nearly glabrous at the base, but ter- 
minating in a considerable pencil of hairs. First and fifth toes 
of fore foot as are the second and fourth, these being much 
longer than the former, third toe longest. Claws of the fore 
foot much longer than those of hind foot. Hind foot broad, 
fifth toe somewhat longer than first; second, third and fourth 
toes subequal. 
When captured the shrews are very likely to be devoured by 
their companions, and it is frequently very difficult to secure 
unmutilated specimens on this account. Dr. Merriam gives 
the results of experiments upon the present species, as follows: 
‘‘Having caught a vigorous though undersized shrew, I put 
him in a large wooden box, and provided him with an ample 
supply of beechnuts, which he ate greedily. He was also fur- 
nished with a saucer of water, from which he frequently drank. 
After he had remained two days in these quarters, I placed in 
the box with him an uninjured and very active white-footed 
mouse. The shrew at the time weighed 10.20 grammes, while 
the mouse, which was a large adult male, weighed just 17 
grammes. No sooner did the shrew become aware of the pres- 
ence of the mouse than he gave chase. The mouse, though 
much larger than the shrew, showed no disposition to fight, 
and his superior agility enabled him, for a long time, easily to 
evade his pursuer, for at a single leap he would pass over the 
latter’s head and to a considerable distance beyond. Theshrew 
labored under a great disadvantage, not only from his inability 
to keep pace with the mouse, but also to a still greater extent, 
from his defective eyesight. He frequently passed within two 
inches (81 mm.) of the mouse without knowing his where- 
abouts. But he was persistent, and explored over and over 
again every part of the box, constantly putting the mouse 
to flight. Indeed, it was by sheer perseverance that he so 
harassed the mouse that the latter, fatigued by almost con- 
tinuous exertion, and also probably weakened by fright, was 
no longer able to escape. He was first caught by the tail ; this 
proved a temporary stimulant, and he bounded several times 
across the box, dragging his adversary with him. The shrew 
did not seem in the least disconcerted at thus being harshly 
jerked about his domicile, but continued his pursuit with great 
determination. He next seized the mouse in its side, which 
resulted in a rough and tumble, the two rolling over and over 
and biting each other with much energy. The mouse freed 
himself, but was so exhausted that the shrew had no difficulty 
