26o NATURE'S STORY OF THE YEAR 



fifty yards from the oak-tree whence the fruit had 

 been carried. In a populated hedge the store 

 would be liable to frequent depredations, and the 

 desirability of a site at a distance is therefore 

 apparent, but the labour of carrying acorns to it 

 must be great and dangerous. When carrying 

 food this mouse seems to advance mainly by leap- 

 ing, in which respect it differs from the meadow 

 vole ; the latter holds the head high when carrying 

 food, but otherwise runs in the ordinary way. 



There is doubtless much variety and excitement 

 in the life of a hedge-mouse. Many other mice 

 are met and fought, or played with, about the 

 banks. The frequent alarm of enemies, excavation 

 of burrows, preparation of the nest, the search for 

 food not to mention the constant labour of 

 cleansing these must make the hedgerow a scene 

 of much interest and activity for the little 

 quadrupeds which live beneath its shelter. When 

 one of these is shut up in a cage, the whole course 

 of its life is altered. 



Thus it was with my pet mouse. There being 

 difficulties in the way of his remaining in the 

 house, he was placed elsewhere. He was left 



