Miscellaneous. 303 



prove altogether uninteresting. In form this Shrew closely resembles 

 the common species, the snout being lengthened in the same manner, 

 and the fur having the same velvety softness of texture. In size, 

 however, it is superior, a full-grown male measuring a little more 

 than 5 inches in total length, whereas the Field-Shrew rarely exceeds 

 4 inches ; the feet and tail are fringed with stiff white hairs, which are 

 of great assistance to the creature when swimming. The colour on 

 the head and back is commonly a rich jetty black, on the sides and 

 underparts pure white ; the line of demarcation between the two 

 colours very distinctly defined, adding much to the beauty of the fur ; 

 a small tuft of white hairs is also noticeable at the corner of the ear. 



The Water-Shrew, as its name implies, is usually found in the 

 vicinity of pools and rivulets, where it forms in the banks long and 

 winding burrows, which penetrate for a considerable distance into 

 the loose soil, and end in a small chamber, furnished with a bed of 

 moss and dry grass. In this secluded retreat the young are produced 

 about the middle of May, there being usually from six to ten in the 

 litter. When first born, they are curious pinky-white little animals, 

 with round blunt noses and semitransparent bodies, bearing as little 

 resemblance as possible to their parents. A small colony of these 

 Shrews frequently inhabit the same spot, and towards the cool of the 

 evening may be observed searching for food, and sporting with each 

 other in the water, now hiding behind stones or large leaves to elude 

 their companions, and then darting out to engage in a general skir- 

 mishing chase, diving and swimming with the greatest activity, and 

 occasionally taking a plunge into their holes. By constantly traver- 

 sing the same ground, in going and returning from their burrows, 

 they gradually tread down a path among the grass and herbage, by 

 which their presence may readily be discovered by an experienced 

 eye. When under water their fur is covered with multitudes of tiny 

 air-bubbles, that shine like silver, and have a beautiful effect when 

 seen against the dark surface of the body. Spots where the stream 

 in some bend of its course forms a little pool are the favourite re- 

 sorts of this pretty little creature ; and, although easily startled by 

 the slightest noise, their range of vision seems far from extensive, as, 

 by quietly approaching, I have often succeeded in watching their 

 gambols without causing alarm among the small community. The 

 food of the Water-Shrew includes insects, worms, young frogs, and 

 small fish, which latter it pursues and captures with all the graceful 

 dexterity of the Otter. I am enabled to speak with certainty as to 

 this fact, by observing the mode employed by my own pets in seizing 

 their prey. I obtained them in the following manner : — Having no- 

 ticed a very fine pair that frequented a small pond, I set several circular 

 wire mouse-traps, baited with small frogs, in what I supposed to be 

 their favourite runs, and secured both male and female by the next 

 morning. 1 had already had a cage constructed as much as possible 

 in accordance with what I knew of their mode of life. It was shaped 

 like an ordinary arched dormouse-cage, but considerably larger than 

 those used, being 12 inches in height by 18 in length ; a zinc tank 

 was also adapted to hook on to the doorway, so that they might 

 enjoy the comfort of a bath. When first introduced into their new 



