SHREW. 89 



enemies. It preys on worms and insects, of which it 

 finds abundance in its subterraneous galleries ; nor does 

 it often come into the open air, a situation which may be 

 considered as unnatural to it. However, when the worms 

 are in motion, and approaching the surface of the earth, 

 particularly after rain, it pursues them with much ani- 

 mation ; and then it throws up the hillocks which prove so 

 detrimental to the farmer. 



The fecundity of the mole is so great, and its exemption 

 from the tyranny of other animals so complete, that, were 

 it not for inundations, which destroy them in prodigious 

 numbers, and the arts practised by man to catch them, 

 they would be an intolerable hinderance to the labours of 

 agriculture. However, they are not without an instinctive 

 sense of the danger arising from low and moist situations, 

 as they commonly prefer some elevated and dry spot for 

 bringing forth their young. 



The skin of these animals is extremely soft and beauti- 

 ful ; and it appears strange that it has not been generally 

 ti led to some advantageous purposes. It is probable 

 that the facility with which they might be procured dimi- 

 nishes their value. The ermine and the sable are sought 

 after in remote and inhospitable regions, with extreme 

 avidity ; but a fur which daily solicits our regard, and is 

 constantly within our reach, is only used in a very limited 

 degree, in the manufacture of hats. 



THE SHREW. 



The common shrew is of a mixed brov/n and reddish 

 tawny colour, with a white belly, and a short tail. The 

 body is about two inches and a half long ; the nose is 

 slender and pointed ; the ears short and rounded ; and the 

 teeth, in shape and situation, differ from those of all other 

 animals in the world, partaking both of the mouse and 

 the snake kind. 



This animal is widely diffused : it frequents old walls, 

 dry grounds, and holes in the earth ; subsisting on corn, 

 insects, and any kind of garbage. Cats frequently 



