A NATURALIST. 61 



of the domestic mouse. Slight attention, however, 

 is requisite to perceive very striking differences, and 

 the discrimination of these will prove a source of 

 considerable gratification to the inquirer. The nests 

 are very nicely made, and look much like a bird's 

 nest, being lined with soft materials, and usually 

 placed in some snug little hollow, or at the root of 

 a strong tuft of grass. Upon the grass roots and 

 seeds these nibblers principally feed; and, where 

 very abundant, the effects of their hunger may be 

 seen in the brown and withered aspect of the grass 

 they have injured at the root. But, under ordinary 

 circumstances, the hawks, owls, domestic cat, weasels, 

 crows, etc. keep them in such limits, as prevent them 

 from doing essential damage. 



I had just observed another and a smaller grassy 

 covered way, where the mowers had passed along, 

 when my attention was called towards a wagon at a 

 short distance, which was receiving its load. Shouts 

 and laughter, accompanied by a general running and 

 scrambling of the people, indicated that some rare 

 sport was going forward. When I approached, I 

 found that the object of chase was a jumping mouse, 

 whose actions it was truly delightful to witness. 

 When not closely pressed by its pursuers, it ran 

 with some rapidity, in the usual manner, as if seek- 

 ing concealment. But in a moment it would vault 

 into the air, and skim along for ten or twelve feet, 

 looking more like a bird than a little quadruped. 

 After continuing this for some time, and nearly 

 exhausting its pursuers with running and falling 

 6 



