140 SMALL DEER OUR RODENTS 
surely close quarters enough for observation. As to 
the voles, I have had them at my very feet. It is 
necessary, however, to swim if you wish to see some 
of their playing places. This I have often done, and 
I once had a very unpleasant experience connected 
with that form of research. Having turned over on 
my back in order the better to see something that 
was above me, I struck out with my legs, so shifting 
myself without altering my position. Under the bank 
I shot in among submerged tree roots, and into dark- 
ness, until the soil above touched the tip of my nose. 
I got out again somehow, dressed, and went home. 
Some days elapsed before I fully realised all the 
features of that lucky escape from what would have 
been certain death if I had hung, caught in that 
network of roots. It gives me the creeps now when 
I think of it. The pursuit of wild things does not 
lead on in smooth ways by any means. One goes 
also alone as a rule, and I have had some very near 
' squeaks ' at times, and shall have again no doubt, in 
spite of advancing years. 
I have never yet seen the water-vole eat any 
animal substance ; though I will not assert that the 
creature never does this. As a rule, little Dot Beaver 
feeds only on vegetable productions, so far as my 
personal knowledge goes. You may watch him cut 
