THE FIELD MOUSE 



The best way by which a knowledge of the econo- 

 mic value of hosts of animals, birds and reptiles 

 may be spread, is to have Natural History taught to 

 School-children. 



THE FIELD MOUSE 



(Leggada minutoides) 



THE Field Mouse is widespread throughout South 

 Africa both west and east. It is known to extend 

 as far north as Uganda. 



This Mouse inhabits the veld and low hill-sides, 

 and constructs short burrows in which it rears its 

 young, and conceals itself from its enemies, which 

 are chiefly the birds of prey, viz. Owls and Hawks. 



The Field Mouse is sometimes found inhabiting 

 dwelling houses and outhouses. 



It lives on the seeds of grasses and shrubs, and 

 various forms of vegetable matter. Insects are 

 devoured by it when they happen to be available, 

 but it does not specially seek after them. 



The Field Mouse is a small and elegant little 

 creature. The fur is coarse and fawn on the back, 

 darker along the middle of the back owing to the 

 admixture of black hairs. The hairs on the upper 

 parts are pale slate at the bases. Under parts pure 

 white from the bases to the tips of the hairs. The 

 separation of the white of the under parts, and the 

 fawn of the sides and back is clearly defined 



