HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 425 



The Mouse, when viewed without the disgust and 

 apprehension which usually accompany the sight of 

 it, is a beautiful little animal: its skin is sleek and 

 soft, its eyes bright and lively, all its limbs are 

 formed with exquisite delicacy, and its motions are 

 smart and active. 



Some few of this species are of a pure white 

 colour; but whether they be a permanent kind, or 

 only an accidental variety, cannot well be deter- 

 mined. Its appearance is, however, very beautiful : 

 its fine full eyes, of a red colour, form an agreeable 

 contrast with the snowy whiteness of its fur. 



THE LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. 

 (Mus Sylvaticus, Linn. Le Mulot, Buff.) 



Is rather larger than the common Mouse, and 

 very similar to it in form : it is of a yellowish brown 

 colour, its belly white, and its eyes remarkably large 

 and prominent. It is found only in the fields, 

 woods, and gardens; feeds on nuts, corn, and 

 acorns; and lays up great stores for its support 

 during winter. It burrows in the earth, and gener- 

 ally forms its nest near the root of a tree or thick 

 bush. If provisions fail during a storm, they de- 

 vour each other. They are very prolific, and bring 

 nine or ten young at a time. 



VOL. in. 3 H 



