H4 WOODLANDERS AND FIELD FOLK 



recently that it has emerged from its obscurity and 

 been recognised as a species. Once pointed out, the 

 difference is striking enough, both from its longer tail 

 and its rufus colouring. Mr Yarrell was its dis- 

 coverer as lately as 1832. In general this and the 

 last-named species closely agree; the former, 

 perhaps, being more active, and seeking higher, 

 drier, and warmer ground for its haunts. Nor is it 

 so frequently seen in the proximity of water. Old 

 hedge-bottoms, with matted and tangled under- 

 growth, form congenial retreats, and in these galleries 

 its runs are found. Like the last species, the bank- 

 vole is often destructive to young plantations where 

 it takes up its abode in numbers. In summer it 

 catches numerous insects, showing considerable 

 agility in so doing. Moths it also takes at dusk, 

 though vegetables constitute the bulk of its diet. 

 Slugs and worms are occasionally taken, this species 

 seeming to have more carnivorous propensities than 

 either of its congeners. From three to five young are 

 produced in a snug and nicely compact nest, in a 

 dry hedge-bottom, or such situations as are described 

 above as its haunts. The red field- vole is prepossess- 

 ing in appearance. Its delicately formed legs and 

 feet, rich chestnut upper parts, purely white belly, 

 together with its bright eyes, showing against its 

 green retreats, make up a pretty picture. 



