40 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX. 



Genus CROSSOPUS. WagL 



Crossopus fodiens, WagL WATER SHREW. 



This interesting little animal occurs in all parts of the 

 county, in suitable localities. It usually prefers shallow 

 stagnant pools to quick-running streams, but is occa- 

 sionally found at some distance from water. There is a 

 small pond on Stanway Heath, at least half a mile from any 

 other water, where I often see these animals. 



This Shrew is an expert swimmer, but seems to prefer 

 running about underneath the water. This it does as freely 

 and with as great apparent comfort as on dry land, using, 

 meanwhile, its long snout to turn over any substance which 

 may hide its prey. Its food consists chiefly of beetles, their 

 larvae, and other insects, as well as fresh-water crustaceans. 



Sorex remifer (the Oared Shrew), formerly considered 

 distinct, is, according to the latest authorities, only a dark 

 form of Crossopus fodiens. 



Order CARNIVORA. 



Family MUSTELID^. 



Genus MELES, Stow. 



Meles taxus, Boddaert. BADGER. 



This animal, known so well to most of us by hearsay from 

 a previous generation, has now become scarce in the county, 

 where, fifty years ago, it was very common. Clearance of 

 woods, diminution of hedgerows, and excessive game pre- 

 serving have been the most effectual causes of its decrease. 

 The latter, as it is now practised, will, I fear, in time blot out 

 not only the poor Badger, but every other animal which, 

 whether useful or not, can be classed by ignorant gamekeepers 

 or their masters under the head of " vermin." 



Mr. E. A. Fitch has published (Essex Nat., vol. i., p. 186) 



