332 THE INSECTIVORES 



formerly considered that there were two distinct species of water-shrews, although 

 subsequent observations have shown that such variations are merely individual. 



The water-shrew, although unknown in Ireland, is commonly, but 

 locally, distributed over England and the south of Scotland. It like- 

 wise occurs over a large area of continental Europe, from whence it extends east- 

 ward into Asia as far as the Atlas range. In the water these graceful little creatures 

 are as much at home as water-voles or beavers ; and in clear streams they may not 

 unfrequently be observed during the day diving or running along the bottom, and 

 turning over the pebbles with their sharp noses in search of fresh-water shrimps, 

 which appear to constitute their favorite food. In addition to these crustaceans, the 

 water-shrew devours many kinds of aquatic insects or their larvae, while it is also 

 probable that it likewise preys on the spawn or fry of minnows and other small fish. 

 There are, moreover, several instances on record where water-shrews have been 

 found feeding on the flesh of larger animals, which they have found dead. The 

 swimming of the water-shrew, writes Professor T. Bell, seems to be "principally 

 effected by the alternate action of the hinder feet, which produces an unequal or 

 wriggling motion ; it makes its way, however, with great velocity, and as it swims 

 rather superficially, with the belly flattened, the sides, as it were, spread out, and the 

 tail extended backwards as a rudder, it forms a very beautiful and pleasing object, 

 moving on the calm surface of a quiet brook, or diving, in an instant, after its food, 

 its black velvety coat becoming beautifully silvered with the innumerable bubbles 

 of air that cover it when submerged ; and on rising again the fur is observed to be 

 perfectly dry, repelling the water as completely as the feathers of a water- fowl. 

 When submerged, the ear is nearly closed by means of three little valves." The 

 burrows of the water-shrew are constructed in the banks of the pond or stream in 

 which it dwells ; and, if disturbed from the protection thus afforded, the creature 

 plunges forthwith into the water to seek safety in what must be regarded as its 

 native element. The female gives birth to the young in the burrow, the usual 

 number produced at a litter varying from five to seven or eight. 



In addition to its darker coloration, and the structural differences already men- 

 tioned, the water-shrew may be distinguished at a glance from the common shrew 

 by its stouter and somewhat depressed muzzle. The red stain on the teeth is, more- 

 over, much less decided than in the latter ; and indeed, when the teeth have been 

 much worn by long use, tends more or less completely to disappear. 



THE MUSK-SHREWS 

 Genus Croddura 



With the musk-shrews, which include by far the largest representatives of the 

 entire family, we come to the first members of the group characterized by their 

 white teeth. No representatives of the musk-shrews occur in Britain, although the 

 spider musk-shrew (Crocidura araned), represented on the left side of the illustration 

 on p. 329, and the common musk-shrew (C. suaveolens) , shown in the accompany- 



