56 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



nor the injury they inflict is suspected. Bulbs 

 planted hopefully in autumn, appear not at all 

 in spring, or only in the shape of sickly plants. 

 Nursery and orchard trees fail without reason 

 until their roots are examined and the work of 

 this hidden nibbler is disclosed. 



General wild habits. It appears then that in 

 habits there is considerable variety among the 

 mice of this group (Microtince), but least in the 

 matter of diet. While some species have a 

 vastly widespread range, others are confined to 

 very limited localities. Some species prefer 

 high and dry ground, while others live in low, 

 moist places. Except in cold weather, nearly 

 all species can temporarily adapt themselves to 

 moist surroundings; but a few seem to be al- 

 most as aquatic as the nearly-allied muskrat. 

 Some dwell in forests, others in the open 

 prairies; some burrow under the ground like 

 moles, while others make smooth paths or trails 

 upon its surface. 



The nests of meadow-mice are compact 

 bunches or globes, composed chiefly of grass 

 blades and other dry vegetable fibers. They 

 are placed in depressions in the ground, in 



