VOLES 



2^5 



Abroad, this species ranges across Europe from France to 

 China, while in North America its place is taken by a closely- 

 allied form known as M.gapperL Recent investigations have, 

 however, rendered it probable that both the European and 

 American forms will eventually prove to be local southern 

 races of the Arctic Vole {M. rutilus), of the circum-polar 

 Regions, in which case the latter name will have to be em- 

 ployed for the species under consideration. 



Hal)it3. — In habits the Bank-Vole, or Red Vole, as it is 

 frequently, and perhaps preferably, called, is generally very 

 similar to those of the preceding species ; but whereas the 

 latter is essentially an inhabitant of the open fields, the former 

 is more partial to sheltered situations, often frequenting gar- 

 dens, where it does much damage by devouring the bulbs of 

 crocuses and newly-sown peas and beans. Mr. Roper writes 

 that its favourite haunts "are old rough ivy-covered hedge- 

 banks, especially those from which the soil has been washed 

 away in places, leaving the roots bare, and thus forming 

 hollows behind them ; banks adjoining woods and plantations 

 seem particularly attractive to them. In spots like this, pleas- 

 ingly varied by a sprinkling of mossy old stubs, brambles, and 

 bushes, with the roots of overhanging trees backed by deep 

 cavernous recesses, the Bank- Vole makes its burrow, and forms 

 runs in all directions, partly above and partly below the surface ; 

 probably also making use of those of the Mole. I have caught 

 them, too, among artificial rock-work, and in a plantation in 

 which are banks thickly covered with the lesser periwinkle, 

 among the roots and stems of which they had formed numer- 

 ous runs." 



Bell states that the Bank- Vole is more omnivorous in its 

 habits than the common Field- Vole, and that it is less addicted 

 to burrowing; while it is even more frequently seen abroad dur- 

 ing the daytime. Its food comprises almost all kinds of vege- 



