72 HIS ECONOMY. 



tussocky ground, where the dwarf birch and willow abound. 

 One more generally meets with the little creature pretty 

 high up on the f jails, but at times also amongst the snow- 

 drifts on their naked summits. It lives in burrows, in the 

 formation of which, its long, strong and crooked claws render 

 it good service. It feeds on leaves, grasses and their roots, 

 the bark of trees, mosses, and insects. It does not hyber- 

 nate, but is on the move all the year round ; neither does it 

 lay up stores for the winter. As with several others of the 

 genus Lemmus, the female forms for herself a nest in which 

 to bring forth her young. This is situated at the termination 

 of a burrow, beneath a root or tussock, and consists of 

 dry grass, leaves, &c. She produces five to six at a birth, 

 and it is thought probable that she breeds more than once 

 within the year. 



The lemming is a most courageous little animal. His 

 combative disposition has given rise to many fables. Reg- 

 nard, for instance, tells us, that " these animals are affirmed 

 to be so pugnacious as sometimes to wage war against each 

 other ; and when the two armies meet on the field of battle, 

 they fight bitterly." 



Owing to its skin being nearly valueless, the lemming is 

 not systematically persecuted by mankind; nevertheless, it 

 has innumerable enemies amongst the rest, the rein-deer, 

 about the last animal one would have suspected, which 

 eagerly seeks for and devours it. The fact has not, it is 

 true, come under my personal observation ; but we have 

 the story from such good authority, that it is hardly to be 

 questioned. 



" The rein-deer," says Linnseus, " feeds on frogs, snakes, 

 and even on the lemming, often pursuing the latter ta so 



