MICE. 



119 



Such is the mouse as it appears to man. It is true 

 that he is obliged to wage war with it, for it is so prolific 

 that if man and its other enemies did not keep down its 

 numbers it would, in a very short time, produce a famine 

 in the land. It has most destructive habits of burrowing in 



walls, and eating holes in flooring and wainscots ; while its 

 depredations in stacks, granaries, and other similar places 

 are 'serious. Thus man is forced in self-defence to war 

 against mice ; but he does it without ill-feeling, and would 

 rather be able to leave the pretty little things alone. The 

 last thing that would enter his mind would be to be afraid 

 of them, and the terror with which they inspire women is 



