88 (ECONOMIC RAT. 



eyes small, its ears naked, very short and round, 

 and almost hid beneath the fur of the head. 



This animal is also supposed to be an inhabi- 

 tant of Iceland ; at least a species which must be 

 greatly allied to it is found in that country, and 

 is said to be particularly plentiful in the wood of 

 Husafels. In that country, where berries are but 

 thinly dispersed, the little animals are obliged to 

 cross rivers to make their distant foraging excur- 

 sions ; and in their return are obliged to repass 

 the stream ; their manner of performing which is 

 thus related by Mr. Olaffen, from the accounts of 

 others, communicated to himself: 



" The party, consisting of from six to ten, se- 

 lect a flat piece of dried cow-dung, on which they 

 place the berries they have collected, in a heap, 

 on the middle ; and then, by their united force, 

 drawing it to the water's edge, launch it, and 

 embark, placing themselves round the heap, with 

 their heads joined over it, and their backs to the 

 water, their tails pendent in the stream, and serv- 

 ing the purpose of rudders. " 



Var. * 

 Mus Glareolus. Schreber, p. 679. pi. 190. B. 



THIS, from Mr. Schreber's figure, appears to 

 be about the size of a common mouse, and of an 

 uniform pale ferruginous colour, whitish beneath : 

 the head seems very large, and without any visi- 

 sible distinction of neck ; the body tapering from 



