i3° 



RODENTS. 



in the molar teeth are different from those in the smaller British voles, but since 

 the species is sufficiently distinguished by its superior size, it will be unnecessary 

 to enter into the consideration of this point. A black variety of the water-vole is 

 sometimes met with. 



The water-vole has a wide distribution, extending from England in the west 

 to China in the east, and occurring throughout continental Europe. Curiously 

 enough, however, it is unknown in Ireland, where the other two species of British 

 vole are likewise wanting. 



Every English brook and river is tenanted by the water-vole, whose long 

 burrows in the banks are sometimes a source of considerable inconvenience to the 

 agriculturist. The burrows are, however, by no means confined to the banks of 

 rivers, being not unfrequent in water-meadows, and occasionally in ploughed fields 



THE WATER-VOLE (§ uat. size). 



at a considerable distance from the water. Although the water-vole has been 

 accused of carnivorous propensities, it is very doubtful if the charge can be 

 substantiated. Its favourite food in summer appears to be the sweet inner pith 

 of certain kinds of water-flags, but it will also eat many other aquatic plants, 

 such as duckweed and horse-tails. In winter, when hard pressed for food, the 

 water-vole turns its attention to the bark of trees and shrubs, and at this season 

 frequently inflicts very serious damage on osier plantations. In cultivated districts 

 it will also then readily eat mangold, turnips, potatoes, etc. When feeding upon 

 duckweed, Bell says that " the creature sits, like a squirrel, on its haunches, 

 near the water's edge, and, taking up a lump of the soft and slimy-looking 

 mass in its fore-paws, eats a small part onlj-, and, letting the remainder fall, 

 takes up some more, which is similarly treated and rejected." 



In May or June, and occasionally as early as April, the female gives birth to 

 five or six young in the depths of its burrow : and it is probable that when the 



