THE SPINY POCKET MICE 65 



they begin, whether it be at nest-making, food- 

 getting, or seeking egress from a cage in which 

 they find themselves imprisoned. Though noc- 

 turnal by nature, they are ever ready to work 

 by day if occasion demands it. How slow, 

 cumbersome, and laborious are the movements 

 of man, how sluggish his disposition, compared 

 with that of these alert, ever-restless, ever-agile, 

 and graceful creatures whom he so often 

 despises! 



