HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 393 



It is common in the South of Europe, infests gar- 

 dens, is particularly fond of peaches, and very de- 

 structive of all kinds of fruit. It lodges in holes in 

 the walls, and brings forth five or six young at a 

 time. 



It has a strong odour, like a Rat; and, like the 

 Fat Squirrel, remains torpid during the winter. 



-*v. - -J 







THE LESSER DORMOUSE. 

 f J//Y.V ivellanartus, Linn. Le Muscardin^ Buff.) 



Is rather larger than the Mouse, of a tawny red 

 colour, with a white throat, and full black eyes. It 

 lives in woods or thick hedges; makes its nest with 

 grass, dried leaves, or moss, in the hollow of a tree, 

 or the bottom of a thick bush, and brings forth 

 three or four young at a time. 



It lays up stores of nuts, acorns, and beans ; and 

 retires at the approach of cold weather to its re- 

 treat; where it rolls itself up in a warm nest, made 

 of soft moss, &c., and remains in a torpid state 

 during the continuance of winter. The warmth of 

 a sunny day, or a temporary change from cold to 

 heat, will sometimes revive it; but after taking a 

 little food, it soon relapses into its former state. 



VOL. in. 3 D 



