BRITISH MAMMALS 



with which we have to deal, is of local distribution, 

 but where there are ivy-covered banks, coppices, or 

 plantations, it is almost sure to be found. One cannot, 

 as a matter of fact, disassociate this Vole from ground- 

 loving ivy, for under the welcome shelter of the ever- 

 green plant it dearly delights to dwell. It is somewhat 

 misnamed as the Bank Vole, though it must be admitted 



Figlh- 



that the bank of a hedgerow that is ivy-covered is one of 



its favourite abodes. 



One curious trait in connection with this species is 



that, when captured, it exhibits a confidence, or, maybe, 



cowardice, which it is very interesting to notice. It 



will lie perfectly still in the open hand without making 



any effort to escape, but whether this is due to fright, or 



fear, we would not care to predict. Suffice it to say, it 



differs very considerably from any of its relatives in this 



respect, and within a few minutes after capture it will 

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