33i HISTORY OF 



We may add also the shrew-mouse to this species of minute 

 animals, being about the size of the domestic mouse, but differ- 

 ing greatly from it in the form of its nose, which is very long 

 and slender. The teeth also are of a very singiilar form, and 

 twenty-eight in number ; whereas the common number in the 

 rat kind is usually not above sixteen. The two upper fore 

 teeth are very sharp, and on each side of them there is a kind of 

 wing or beard, like that of an arrow, scarcely visible but on a 

 close inspection. The other teeth are placed close together, 

 being very small, and seeming scarcely separated ; so that with 

 respect to this part of its formation, the animal has some resem- 

 blance to the viper. However, it is a very harmless little crea- 

 ture, doing scarcely any injury. On the contrary, as it lives 

 chiefly in the fields, and feeds more upon insects than corn, it 



solitary life in the woods, the male and female commonly sleep in the same 

 nest. 



The niigrations of these quadrupeds have been noticed both by Dr 

 Grieve and Mr Pennant ; but neither of them have attempted to explain 

 the cause. " In the spring-," says the former UTiter, " they assemble in 

 amazing- munbers, and proceed in a direct course westward, swimming with 

 the utmost intrepidity over rivers, lakes, and even arms of tlie sea. Many 

 are dromied, and many are destroyed by water.fowl, or rapacious fish 

 Those that escape, on emerging from the water, rest awhile to bask, dry 

 their fur, and refresh themselves. The Kamstchadales, wlio have a kind of 

 superstitious veneration for these little animals, whenever they find any of 

 tliem on the banks of the rivers, weak and exhausted, render them every 

 possible assistance. As soon as they have crossed the river Penscliinska, at 

 tlie head of the gulf of the same name, they turn in a south-westerly direc. 

 tion ; and about the middle of July, generally reach the rivers Ochetska and 

 Judoma, a distance of about a thousand miles ! Tlie flocks are also so nume- 

 rous, that travellers have waited about two hours for them to pass. The re- 

 tirement of these animals is considered by the Kamtschadales as a serious 

 misfortune ; but their return occasions the utmost joy and festivity, a suc- 

 cessful chase and fishery being always considered as its certain consequence." 

 Kerr informs us, that the Kamtschadales never destroy the hoards of 

 these rats. Sometimes, indeed, they take away part of their store ; but, 

 in return for this, they invariably leave some caviare, or other food, to sup- 

 port them in its stead. 



The manner in which the economic campagnols on their foraging excursions 

 cross the rivers of Iceland, is thus described by Mr OlafFen. — " Tlie party, 

 ronsisting of from six to ten, select a flat piece of dried cow-dung, on whiih 

 they place the berries they have collected in a heap on the middle. Tlien, 

 with their imited force, drawing it to the water's edge, they launch it, and 

 embark ; placing themselves roimd the heap, -\Aath tlicir heads joined over it, 

 and their backs to the wattr, their tails pendent in tJie stream serving the 

 purpose of rudders." 



