THE COMMON DOKMOUSE. 187 



stances, which they dig out of the earth, but they also feed od various 

 kinds of grain. 



Next in order to the Gerboas is placed the small group of animals 

 which are sufficiently familiar by the name of Dormice. This term 

 signifies " sleepy mouse," and is most appropriate to the lethargic little 

 creatures, which spend the greater part of their time in somnolency. 



The Common Dormouse is found abundantly in many districts of 

 England, as well as on the Continent, and is in great favor as a do- 

 mestic pet. The total length of this pretty little animal is rather more 

 than five inches, the tail being two and a half inches long. The color 

 of its fur is a light reddish brown upon the back, yellowish white upon 

 the abdomen, and white on the throat. These tints belong only to the 

 adult animal, as in the juvenile Dormouse the fur is nearly of the same 

 color as that of the common mouse, the ruddy tinge appearing only on 



The Dormouse {Muscardinus aveUandrius). 



the head and sides. It is not until the little creatures have nearly com- 

 pleted a year of existence that they assume the beautiful hues of adult 

 age. The tail is thickly covered with hair, which is arranged in a 

 double row throughout its length, and forms a slight tuft at the extrem- 

 ity. The head is rather large in proportion to the body, the ears are 

 large and broad, and the eye full, black, and slightly prominent. 



The Dormouse is a nocturnal animal, passing the whole of the day 

 in its warm and neatly-constructed nest, which is generally built in the 

 most retired spot of some thick bush or small tree. It is a very active 

 little creature, leaping from branch to branch and traversing the intri- 

 cate mazes of the brushwood with such ready featness that it can scarce- 

 ly be taken by a human hand. The food of the Dormouse consists of 

 various fruits and seeds, such as acorns, nuts, haws, and corn. 



