256 WOOD MOUSE. 



corn-fields and gardens. Its food consists of seeds, 

 especially those of grasses, acorns, nuts, and insects 

 and, like the Squirrel, it lays up a store for the 

 winter, depositing great quantities of vegetable 

 substances in its holes, which are formed in banks, 

 or under the roots of trees, or in the open fields. 

 Sometimes it takes possession of the deserted runs 

 or nests of Moles. It does not become torpid in 

 winter ; at least I have caught it in the midst of 

 snow, when it had come abroad to search the road 

 for food. 



Its more formidable enemies are Kestrels, Owls, 

 Ermines, and Weasels. Although extremely timid, 

 it may be easily tamed. " I have seen," says Mr 

 Bell, " several of them running out on the breakfast 

 table of my late most valued friend Dr Leach, of 

 whose kind and affectionate disposition they ap- 

 peared to have an almost instinctive perception, as 

 they would feed from his hand, or from his plate, 

 without the least fear, and allow him to handle and 

 play with them as freely as the Dormouse." 



