WATER SHREW 



water shrimps, which is apparently its chief food. Seen 

 for the first time, with bubbles of silver adhering to its 

 soft, glossy coat, the observer may well pause as to the 

 identity of the remarkable creature he has encountered. 

 Upon emergence from the water, the coat will be found 

 to be quite dry, a wonderful provision of Nature, which 

 reminds one of the proverbial duck's back. 



Water Shrimps do not constitute the sole food of this 

 aquatic mammal, as it also partakes of the spawn, or fry, of 

 small fishes, such as minnows, and it is also said not to 

 disdain the flesh of larger animals. 



It burrows into the banks of a pond or stream, where, 

 when not engaged in the water, it seeks shelter, but if 

 danger threatens, it bolts from its hiding-place and 

 plunges without hesitation into the liquid element. 

 The burrow is also used for breeding quarters, the 

 female producing from five to seven or eight young at a 

 litter. 



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