It ATS. 401 



' ' The solid structure, framed with twisted reeds, 

 Plaster'd with mud, and intermix'd with weed 

 Four cubits measures in its space around, 

 Raised like a little turret from the ground. 

 At top a rounded cupola or dome 

 Twelve inches thick, roofs in this wintry home ; 

 Here with their young whole families repose, 

 Whilst gather'd o'er them rest the winter's snows. 



The \Vater-Rat (Mus amphibiits} is somewhat larger than the common rat, of a 

 deep greyish-brown colour, with the tail as long as the body. It inhabits the banks of 

 streams, and digs in marshy grounds to look for roots : it is but an indifferent swfmmer 

 and diver. 



FIG. 444. WATER -RAT 



The Lemming's (Mus lemmus), a northern species, the size of a rat, with fur diver- 

 sified with yellow and black, are very celebrated for the migrations they make from 

 time to time in innumerable troops. They are said to march in a straight line, neither 

 river, mountain, nor any other obstacle arresting their passage, while they carry devasta- 

 tion into all the lands through which they pass. Their usual habitat seems to be the 

 shores of the Icy Sea.* 



The Dormice ( Myoxns rat with a pointed nose) are pretty little animals, with a 

 soft fur, a hairy or even tufted tail, and animated look. They live on trees and feed on 

 fruits : they pass the winter in a deep lethargic sleep, rolled up into a ball. 



The Rats (Mus rattus], properly so called, feed chiefly on vegetable substances, such 

 as grains and roots ; but they also devour flesh, and when forced by hunger they mingle 

 in fierce battle and devour each other. 



The Hamsters (Mus criatits) have the same kind of teeth as the rats, but their 

 tail is short, and the sides of the mouth are furnished with wide sacs or cheek-pouches, 

 sen-ing to transport the grain which they carry to the subterranean abode. 



The Harvest Mouse (Mus messorius) is the smallest of our native Rodentia. Its 

 nest is a structure which, in neatness and beauty, may be compared with the productions 



26 



