ANIMAL LIFE OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



are not always so tough as that described by White, which 

 " was so compact and well-filled that it would roll across the 

 table without being discomposed, though it contained eight 

 young." Several litters are produced throughout the year, 

 varying in the number of young from five to nine ; and one 

 might expect that the species would be represented by indi- 

 viduals as numerous as those of the House Mouse. It must 

 be remembered, however, that the diurnal habits of the Harvest 

 Mouse and its methods of feeding expose it to the attacks of 

 the larger birds ; whilst the smaller carnivorous beasts do not 

 neglect it. When the corn is cut the Harvest Mouse is often 

 carried in the sheaves to the barn ; in that case it spends the 

 winter there, and does not go to sleep. It is considered that 

 the modern reaping machine has caused a great reduction in 

 its numbers. 



Until about December the young of the year resemble the 

 House Mouse in colour, and may easily be mistaken for it ; 

 then from the hind quarters forwards they begin to assume the 

 redder tint. As the adult Harvest Mouse weighs only about a 

 sixth of an ounce, it is not surprising that it should be able to 

 sit on an ear of corn to which its capable little hands and 

 prehensile tail have enabled it to climb with ease. But the 

 familiar name must not delude us into supposing that it is only 

 found in or about cornfields. It is also a denizen of the tall, 

 rank herbage along ditches and untrimmed hedgerows. In 

 winter it is frequently found about the lower parts of wheat and 

 oat stacks. 



Where the Harvest Mouse occurs it may be watched at close 

 range by the quiet observer. Though as a rule timid and gentle 

 in demeanour, it becomes at times savage and cannibalistic. It 

 lacks the offensive odour of the House Mouse. Its voice is of 

 a low chirping character, and has been likened to that of the 

 wren. 



With a more intimate knowledge ot the structure of the 





