ON THE HABITS OF THE WATER-SHREW. 89 



the same ground, in going and returning from their 

 burrows, they gradually tread down a path among 

 the grass and herbage, by which their presence may 

 readily be discovered by an experienced eye. When 

 under water their fur is covered with multitudes of 

 tiny air-bubbles, that shine like silver, and have a 

 beautiful effect when seen against the dark surface 

 of the body. Spots where the stream in some bend 

 of its course forms a little pool are the favourite 

 resorts of this pretty little creature ; and, although 

 easily startled by the slightest noise, their range of 

 vision seems far from extensive, as, by quietly 

 approaching, I have often succeeded in watching 

 their gambols without causing alarm among the 

 small community. The food of the water-shrew 

 includes insects, worms, young frogs, and small fish, 

 which latter it pursues and captures with all the 

 graceful dexterity of the otter. I am enabled to 

 speak with certainty as to this fact, by observing the 

 mode employed by my own pets in seizing their 

 prey. I obtained them in the following manner : 

 Having noticed a very fine pair that frequented a 

 small pond, I set several circular wire mouse-traps, 

 baited with small frogs, in what I supposed to be 

 their favourite runs, and secured both male and 

 female by the next morning. I had already had a 

 cage constructed as much as possible in accordance 

 with what I knew of their mode of life. It was 



