468 



RODENTIA 



208), and the North American M. obensis. Different individuals of 

 the Norwegian Lemming vary considerably both in size and colour, 

 but its usual length is about 5 inches, and its soft fur yellowish 

 brown, marked with spots of dark brown and black. It has a 

 short, rounded head, obtuse muzzle, small bead-like eyes, and short 

 rounded ears, nearly concealed by the fur. The tail is very short. 

 The feet are small, each with five claws, those of the fore feet 

 strongest, and fitted for scratching and digging. The usual dwell- 



Fio. 208. The Lemming (Myodes lemmus). 



ing place of the Lemmings is in the highlands or fells of the great 

 central mountain chain of Norway and Sweden, from the southern 

 branches of the Langfjeldene in Christiansand-stift to the North 

 Cape and the Varangerfjord. South of the Arctic circle they are, 

 under ordinary circumstances, exclusively confined to the plateaus 

 covered with dwarf birch and juniper above the conifer region, 

 though in Tromso-amt and in Finmarken they occur in all suitable 

 localities down to the level of the sea. The nest is formed under a 

 tussock of grass or a stone, constructed of short dry straws, and 

 usually lined with hair. The number of young in each nest is 

 generally five, sometimes only three, but occasionally seven or eight, 

 and at least two broods are produced annually. Their food is 



