196 WILD BEASTS OF THE WORLD 



THE FIELD-VOLE 



(Arvicola agrestis) 



THE Musk-Rat and Lemmings form part of a well-defined group of 

 the Mouse family known as Voles, containing numerous species of 

 wide distribution, several of which are familiar in our own Islands 

 the present one far too much so. The Field- Vole is about the size 

 of the House-Mouse, but, like Voles in general, has smaller eyes and 

 much shorter ears and tail ; in fact, it is often called the Short-tailed 

 Field-Mouse. It is of a dull-brown colour, and far less lively and 

 active than the House-Mouse. Its favourite haunts are rough grass- 

 fields, and when it becomes numerous it does great harm by devouring 

 stems and roots of grass, as in the well-known "Vole plague" in 

 Scotland in 1892. Although widely distributed in Great Britain, and 

 also all over Europe, this Vole is not found in Ireland. It is worth 

 remembering that during the plague great service was done in the 

 destruction of the vermin by Weasels, Rooks, Owls of several kinds, 

 Kestrels, and Black-headed Gulls. 



Field-Voles breed in burrows in the ground, and as they may 

 have as many as six young in a litter, and up to four litters a year, 

 their increase is naturally liable to become excessive if circumstances 

 favour them. 



THE WATER-VOLE 



(Arvicola amphibius) 



OUR familiar " Water- Rat " is our largest Vole, nearly equalling the 

 ordinary Rat in size, but easily distinguishable by its blunt Vole-head 

 and very short ears. Usually it is brown, but black specimens are 

 common. Although not web-footed, it is a good swimmer and diver, 

 and lives chiefly by the water-side, making its home in a burrow in 

 the bank. Except when it attacks garden produce, such as potatoes, 

 the Water-Rat is a harmless creature, living chiefly on marsh- and 

 water-plants, and rarely touching animal food ; while, from being 

 constantly on the move in the day, it is easy to watch, and thus 

 becomes a favourite. Although, like the Field- Vole, unknown in Ireland, 

 it is found across Europe and Northern Asia generally. 



