DORMICE. RATS. 81 



Like the Marmots, they pass the cold season in a deep lethargic 

 sleep, rolled up in a ball. They may be recognised by the number 

 of their molar teeth, which is four on both sides of each jaw. 



30. The Common Dormouse, Myoxus Glis, (the fat Dor- 

 mouse,) which is about the size of the common rat, inhabits the 

 southern parts of Europe ; it lives in the great forests, and in the 

 hollows of trees and rocks constructs a retreat which it lines with 

 moss, and in which it deposites provisions to be ready when it 

 awakes in the spring. In some parts of Italy it feeds on small 

 animals ; the Romans raised and fattened this species for the 

 table. 



31. The Garden Dormouse, Myoxus Nitela, is another 

 species which is common in the neighbourhood of Paris. It 

 frequents espaliers, (hedge-rows of fruit trees) and retires into 

 cavities in orchard walls ; its food consists of fruits, and it some- 

 times commits great ravages. 



32. Another species of Dormouse, Myoxus .fluellanarius, is 

 of the size of a small mouse, and inhabits the borders of woods, 

 hedges, &c.; like the squirrel, it prepares a bed of moss for the 

 winter. 



33. RATS PROPERLY so CALLED, are distinguished by the disposi- 

 tion of their molar teeth, which are three throughout, and by the 

 long, hard tail. These animals are of small size, and feed chiefly 

 on vegetable substances (such as grains and roots,) but they also 

 eat animal matter, and when forced by hunger, they mingle in 

 fierce battle and devour each other. There are three species 

 which are common in houses, the Domestic Rat, the Surmulot, and 

 the Mouse. 



34. The Domestic Rat, Mvs Rattus, was not known to the 

 ancients, and appears to be originally from America. The time of 

 its introduction into Europe is not known, but it is ascertained 

 that it existed in great numbers in the places which the Surmulot 

 now occupies after having almost entirely destroyed its species. 

 The domestic rat has become quite rare in Paris, and is not often 

 found except on farms where it feeds on grain, meal, fruits, and 

 vegetables of all kinds that it meets. Its taste for animal matter 

 is very decided, and it pursues small animals. In country houses 



30. Where is the common Dormouse found ? What are its habi's ? Was 

 it known to the ancients? 



3J. Where is the garden Dormouse found ? What does it feed on? 



32. Is there any other species than the two mentioned ? 



33. What are Ruts properly so called ? What do they feed on ? How 

 many species of Rats are common in houses ? 



34. Was the Domestic Rat known to the ancients ? When was it intro- 

 duced into Europe ? 



