A NATURALIST. 59 



great numbers by man, they would become exceedingly 

 troublesome. There are various species of them, all bear- 

 ing a very considerable resemblance to each other, and 

 having to an incidental observer much of the appearance 

 of the domestic mouse. Slight attention, however, is re- 

 quisite to perceive very striking differences, and the dis- 

 crimination of these will prove a source of considerable 

 gratification to the enquirer. The nests are very nicely 

 made, and look much like a bird's nest, being lined with 

 soft materials, and usually placed in some snug little 

 hollow, or at the root of a strong tuft of grass. Upon the 

 grass roots and seeds these nibblers principally feed ; and 

 where very abundant, the effects of their hunger may be 

 seen in the brown and withered aspect of the grass they 

 have injured at the root. But under ordinary circum- 

 stances, the hawks, owls, domestic cat, weasels, crows, 

 &c. keep them in such limits, as prevent them from do- 

 ing essential damage. 



I had just observed another and a smaller grassy 

 covered way, where the mowers had passed along, when 

 my attention was called towards a wagon at a short dis- 

 tance, which was receiving its load. Shouts and laughter, 

 accompanied by a general running and scrambling of the 

 people, indicated that some rare sport was going forward. 

 When I approached, I found that the object of chase was 

 a jumping mouse, whose actions it was truly delightful 

 to witness. When not closely pressed by its pursuers, it 

 ran with some rapidity in the usual manner, as if seek- 



