THE WHITE -FOOTED MOUSE 



with their fore feet, or, rather, they drum with 

 their toes, for the foot in the act is held rigid 

 while the toes move. 



If any writer has called attention to this 

 peculiar method of communication, it has es- 

 caped my reading. I am well satisfied that 

 the habit has never been published before, so 

 it must prove interesting to those who pry 

 into the secrets of Dame Nature. 



The white-footed mouse has taken possession 

 of my cabin. Until a year ago the mice were 

 kept in check by stoats, but for some reason 

 the stoats have failed to appear, and the mice 

 are increasing rapidly. I find their nests in 

 every nook and corner. I go bareheaded the 

 most of the time, so it happens that when I 

 do need a hat I find it occupied by an enter- 

 prising mouse and her family. Now a few 

 mice for company in the winter evenings would 

 not be objectionable, but I draw the line when 

 they become so numerous that I am forced 

 to eat and sleep with them. They are too 

 cunning and intelligent to be kept in check by 

 traps. I have tried all kinds of traps, only to 

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