THE SHREW 



THE Shrews are popularly called Shrewmice because 

 of their mouse-like bodies. Shrews are widely re- 

 moved in relationship to mice, for they belong to 

 the Insectivorous or insect-eating tribe or order, 

 and the mice are members of the Rodent or Gnawing 

 tribe. Even a casual, superficial inspection will 

 enable any one to distinguish a Shrew from a 

 Mouse. The Shrew has a long, pointed snout, its 

 ears are round and lie close to the sides of the 

 head ; ,the teeth are altogether different to those 

 of a mouse, and the skull is long and narrow. 



Shrews have a very wide distribution more so 

 than any other family of insectivorous animals. 

 They inhabit America, Europe, Africa and Asia, 

 except in the colder northern regions. They are 

 also found in a large number of islands adjacent 

 to these continents. The majority of Shrews are 

 terrestrial, but some species have adapted them- 

 selves to an aquatic life and have developed webbed 

 feet. They are all insectivorous, their food con- 

 sisting chiefly of insect life, and in consequence 

 they are the allies of man, for they render him the 

 most valuable of services, and exact no toll on him 

 in return, as do many other creatures. They not 

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