WATER SHREW. 127 



one of which is margined with white hairs, forming 

 a speck of that colour among the dusky fur ; the 

 tail slender, somewhat quadrangular, a little com- 

 pressed at the end, and fringed beneath with bristly 

 "yhite hairs. The feet are proportionally broader 

 than those of the preceding species, and the toes 

 are laterally margined with white shining bristly 

 hairs. The fur is soft, and of a velvety or silky 

 texture ; the colour on the upper parts greyish- 

 black, brownish-black, or very dark-brown, but 

 sometimes reddish-brown, on the lower a silvery or 

 greyish-white ; the large incisors are reddish-brown 

 at the end. 



This species, which has been observed in various 

 parts of England and Scotland, resides in burrows, 

 on the margins of ponds, brooks, and ditches, and 

 appears to be as aquatic in its habits as the Water- 

 Rat, which has its residence in similar situations. 

 But, unlike that animal, it feeds entirely on insects 

 and worms, in search of which it makes excursions 

 upon the water, and dives with ease to the bottom. 

 In swimming, it presents a singular appearance, its 

 sides being apparently expanded, its body lying so 

 lightly as to be two-thirds out of the water, its tail 

 extended along the surface, and it paddles away 

 seemingly with little effort, scarcely causing a rip- 

 ple, although its speed is considerable. I have seen 

 it sporting as it were on the water, several indivi- 

 duals swimming about in various directions, some- 

 times shooting along in curves at an accelerated 

 rate. It is a very timorous animal, and on the 

 least apprehension of danger, dives and gets close 



