THE RODENTS. 73 



litters in the year has not, so far as I know, been satis- 

 factorily determined. 



This rat is widely distributed in these islands, there 

 being a black race from the east coast of Ireland. It is 

 this race (M. hibemicus) that occurs, according to Harvie- 

 Brown and Buckley, 1 in the Hebrides, where the true 

 black rat is unknown. This race has a con- 

 " anse ' spicuous white patch on the chest. 

 Besides its superior size, this rat is easily distinguished 

 from the last by its lighter fur, broader 

 muzz ^ e ' s h rter ears > an< i shorter, more hairy 

 tail. 



The Common Mouse needs but a brief mention, since 

 it is still more familiar than the brown rat. Easily tamed, 



Common like the white variety kept as " pets " by boys, 



Mouse. th e mouse will grow bold with very little en- 

 couragement ; and I well recollect how, ten years ago at 

 Bexley, a tiny mouse used to sit on my foot night after 

 night as I sat reading late in an outhouse. So bold is 

 this animal, indeed, as to attack, even in the daytime, large 

 cage -birds, which it has been known to overcome and 

 devour. It is prolific, like most noxious creatures, and 

 probably increasing in spite of owls, cats, traps, and poison. 

 In former times the Welsh used to roast mice alive over a 

 slow fire, but this pastime is no longer in favour. 



In colour, the mouse is subject to considerable variation, 



for all that its typical shade has passed into a household 



word, and ladies would probably be able to 



ppearaice, Describe, or at any rate distinguish, mouse- 

 colour to their own satisfaction. The typical 

 colour is between a grey and a brown. The tail is long 

 and curling; the muzzle is tapered; the ears large and 

 sensitive, and fringed with long hairs; the feet furred 

 and of a delicate pink tint. 



1 Fauna of the Outer Hebrides, p. 36a. 



