328 



INSECTIVORES. 



bottom, and turning over the pebbles with their sharp noses in search of fresh- 

 water shrimps, which appear to constitute their favourite food. lu addition to 

 these crustaceans, the water-shrew devours many kinds of aquatic insects or their 

 larvaj, while it is also probable that it likewise preys on the spawn or fry of minnows 

 and other small fish. Tliere are, moreover, several instances on record where water- 

 shrews have been found feeding on the flesh of larger animals, which they have 

 found dead. The swimming of the water-shrew, writes Prof. T. Bell, seems to be 

 " principally effected by the alternate action of the hinder feet, which produces an 

 unequal or wriggling motion ; it makes its way, however, with great velocity, and 

 as it swims rather superficially, with the belly flattened, the sides, as it were, spread 

 out, and the tail extended backwards as a rudder, it forms a very beautiful and 





THE WATER-SHREW (uat. size.) 



pleasing object, moving on the calm surface of a quiet brook, or diving, in an instant, 

 after its food, its black velvety coat becoming beautifully silvered with the in- 

 numerable bubbles of air that cover it when submerged ; and on rising again the 

 fur is observed to be perfectly dry, repelling the water as completely as the feathers 

 of a water-fowl. When submerged, the ear is nearly closed by means of three little 

 valves." The bun-ows of the water-shrew are consti-ucted in the banks of the 

 pond or stream in which it dwells ; and, if disturbed from the protection thus 

 afibrded, the creature plunges forthwith into the water to seek safety in what 

 must be regarded as its native element. The female gives birth to the young in 

 the burrow, the usual number produced at a litter varying from five to seven or 

 eight. 



In addition to its darker coloration, and the structural differences already 

 mentioned, the water-shrew may be distinguished at a glance from the common 

 shrew by its stouter and somewhat depressed muzzle. The red stain on the teeth 



