FAMILY MURID^; MOLE-RAT; VOLES. 259 



and habits. It lives underground, like the Mole, and throws 

 up the earth in the same manner, although provided with very 

 inferior instruments for the purpose ; but instead of feeding on 

 worms and grubs, it subsists entirely on roots. It works stoutly 

 and rapidly ; and on the approach of an enemy instantly digs a 

 perpendicular burrow. The most curious point in its structure, 

 is that in which it resembles the Mole, the deficiency of eyes 

 fitted for vision. These organs are in an undeveloped or rudi- 

 mentary state, being small black globules no larger than poppy- 

 seeds ; they are hid beneath the skin, which passes over them 

 without opening or even becoming thinner, and which is as much 

 covered with hair at that part as at any other. The Russian 

 species is somewhat larger than the common Rat ; but there is 

 another, in the islands of the Straits of Sunda, which is as large 

 as a Rabbit. 



228. The tribe of ARVICOL^E or Voles includes many species 

 which are commonly termed Rats and Mice, but which are dis- 

 tinguished by a peculiarity in the teeth, that indicate an affinity 

 with the Beaver. To this group belongs the Short-tailed Field- 

 mouse, which is remarkable for its extraordinary voracity, and for 



the rapidity of its 

 multiplication. It 

 burrows through the 

 ground, destroying 

 the roots of plants 

 and trees which come 

 in its way ; and it 

 also devours their 

 bark. In this inan- 



FIG. 131 SHORT-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. ner it has done great 



in j ury to young plant- 

 ations, especially in the Forest of Dean, and in the New Forest, 

 Hampshire ; and in the years 1813 and 1814 its ravages were so 

 great, as to create considerable alarm, lest the whole of the 

 young trees in these extensive woods should be destroyed by 

 them. Various plans were suggested for their destruction ; but 

 none proved so successful as the digging of holes about 18 or 20 



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