THE WATER-RAT. 



79 



47. — Economist^Mice. 



from six to ten, select a flat piece of dried cow-dung, on 

 which they place the berries in a heap in the middle ; 

 then by their united force they bring it to the water's 

 edge, and, after launching it, embark and place them- 

 selves round the heap with their heads joined over it, 

 and their backs to the water, their tails pendent in the 

 stream serving the purpose of rudders." (Fig. 47.) 

 The truth of this fact he says was confirmed by the tes- 

 timony of two credible witnesses, the clergyman of 

 Briamslcek, and Madame Benedictson, of Stickesholm. 

 He further states that they make a drainage from their 

 burrow, leading into a deep hole, intended for the re- 

 ception of the water. 



The Water- Rat 



{Arvicola amphibia ; Kat d'eatt, BnS.). 



The water-rat is by many regarded as a variety of that 



destructive animal the common rat, which, as is well 



known, often takes up its quarters in drains and ditches, 



and the banks of canals, especially near houses, farms 



e2 



