128 THE OAKED SHREW. 



fill property of repelling moisture and preserving the body of the 

 animal from the injurious effects of the water. 



When the Water Shrew is engaged in swimming, those parts of the 

 fur which are submerged below the surface appear to be studded with 

 an infinite number of tiny silver beadlets, that give to the whole animal 

 a very singular aspect. This phenomenon is produced by the minute 

 air-bubbles that cling to the fur, and which exude from the space that 

 is left between the hairs. In fact, the Shrew Mouse, when immersed, 

 bears a curious resemblance to the well-known water spider. 



A further distinction, and one which is more valuable than that 

 which is furnished by the color of the fur, is the fringe of stiff white 

 hairs which edges the tail and the toes. 



In all its movements the Water Shrew is extremely graceful and 

 active, displaying equal agility whether its movements be terrestrial 

 or aquatic. 



I have repeatedly observed the proceedings of a little colony of these 

 animals, and was able to sit within a yard or two of their haunts with- 

 out their cognizance of my person. They are most sportive little 

 creatures, and seem to enjoy a game of play with thorough apprecia- 

 tion, chasing each other over the ground and through the water, 

 running up the stems of aquatic plants, and tumbling off the leaves 

 into the water, scrambling hastily over the stones around which the 

 stream ripples, and playing a thousand little pranks with the most 

 evident enjoyment. Then they will suddenly cease their play, and 

 begin to search after insects with the utmost gravity, rooting in the 

 banks and picking up stray flies, as if they never had any other busi- 

 ness in view. 



From repeated observations, it seems that the Water Shrew is not 

 entirely confined to the neighborhood of water, neither is it totally 

 dependent for its subsistence on aquatic insects, for it has been frequently 

 seen at some distance from any stream or pond. It must be remarked, - 

 however, that a very small rivulet is amply sufficient for the purpose of 

 the Water Shrew% which will take up its residence for several years in 

 succession on the banks of a little artificial channel that is used only 

 for the purpose of carrying water for the irrigation of low-lying 

 fields. 



The largest of the British Shrews is that species which is called the 

 Oared Shrew, on account of the oar-like formation of the feet and 

 tail, which are edged with even longer and stiffer hairs than those 

 which decorate the same parts in the Water Shrew. 



As may be imagined from this structure, the habits of the animal 

 are aquatic in their nature^ and its manners are so closely similar to 

 those of the preceding species that it may easily be mistaken for that 

 animal, when seen at a little distance, so as to render the difference in 



