322 THE WATER-RAT OE WATER-VOLE. 



It has been said that the young are sometimes 

 born in the bank-burrow, but this statement is 

 based on reference rather than on personal obser- 

 vation. The bank-burrow often contains a cosy 

 nest of which the newly born are found to be 

 making use, but so far there is no definite proof 

 that they are actually born there. I should say 

 it occurs seldom, if ever. More probably they are 

 born quite near at hand, possibly in the hollow 

 trunk of a willow, possibly in an open nest, and 

 are conveyed to the bank-burrow as soon as they 

 are old enough to be carried. The dread of flood - 

 waters is probably at the back of this guarding 

 instinct. 



THE BANK-BURROW. 



The water-vole observes no rules or customs in 

 its manner of architecture. It loves to construct 

 its tunnels among the roots of river-side trees, so 

 that its home is braced not only against the assaults 

 of flood-waters, but against burrowing animals 

 larger than itself. Generally there are one or 

 more bolt-holes below the surface of the water, so 

 that the occupants of the burrow can escape from 

 it unseen, to take cover in the reeds or the bushes 

 near. Well above the water-line the burrow 

 is enlarged here and there, forming chambers 

 sufficiently spacious for dining-rooms and bed- 

 rooms. The burrows very often become consider- 

 ably enlarged by the action of water, and may 

 finally be taken possession of by otters. 



In addition to its water entrances and exits, the 

 bank-burrow invariably has at least one exit on 

 the land side, perhaps seven or eight feet from the 

 water's edge. This, however, may be very little 

 used, as it exists chiefly as a ventilator. Old 



