Migration 



Of all quadrupeds, the most notorious migrant is the 

 lemming, a small rat-like creature, inhabiting the 

 mountainous regions of Northern Europe. At long 

 intervals these destructive little creatures migrate from 

 their mountain fastnesses literally in millions. Lack of 

 food or the foreboding of severe weather may account 

 for their wanderings ; but, whatever the cause, they lay 

 waste the land far and wide as they go. Travelling 

 chiefly by night or in early morning, they brook no 

 obstacles. They swim rivers and lakes. They are accom- 

 panied by a crowd of camp-followers in the shape of 

 predaceous animals and birds, but on and on the horde 

 advances, till finally the sea and the sea alone forces 

 a halt. 



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