428 



QUADRUPEDS. 



ORDER INSECTIVORA.* 



When we reflect upon the infinite numbers of insects, and their 

 wide dispersion, the abundance of food they afford, and the ne- 

 cessity of everywhere keeping in check their prolific legions, it is 

 by no means surprising that, even among the higher Quadrupeds, 

 creatures are found specially constructed to wage war with the 

 insect races. 



The Shrew, the Hedgehog, and the Mole are all familiar 

 British representatives of the families that constitute this Order. 

 They are .all small plantigrade animals, with short limbs. Their 

 muzzle is more or less lengthened, and the molar teeth are fur- 

 nished with small conical points, a structure that always indicates 

 an insect diet. 



FIG. 475. SHREW. 



The Shrews (Sorex) have their feet formed for walking or swimming, 

 and are clothed with fur of delicate softness : they have a general resemblance 

 to mice, but the snout is greatly lengthened. They are fond of the vicinity 

 of water ; and one pretty little species, figured above, is eminently aquatic. 

 It swims and dives with great rapidity and elegance. 



The shrews live in holes which they excavate in the earth. They rarely 

 come out, except in the evening, and live entirely on worms and insects. 

 Like many other harmless and inoffensive creatures, they have been falsely 

 accused of all sorts of iniquities, more especially of causing a disease in 



* Insectum, an insect ; voro, I devour: inscct-divourer. 



