326 INSECTIVORES. 
toothless young; the number in each litter being usually five, six, or seven, but 
occasionally more. 
In Ireland the place of the common shrew is taken by the lesser 
shrew (S. pygmeus), which, although also found in England, is there 
much more rare. It may be distinguished by its inferior size, and also by the 
circumstance that the third tooth from the extremity of the upper jaw (the third 
incisor) is not longer than the fourth. Like its larger cousin, this species has an 
extensive range in Europe and Asia north of the Himalaya, but does not extend 
across Behring Strait into America. 
In marked contrast to the wide range of these species is the 
restricted distribution of the Alpine shrew (S. alpinus), a species of 
rather larger size than the common shrew, and distinguished by the uniform 
coloration of the upper and under surfaces of the body. This shrew is only found 
in the mountains of Central Europe. 
Lesser Shrew. 
Alpine Shrew. 
North American A variation in size comparable to that existing among the 
Shrews. Kuropean members of the genus is likewise found in its North 
American representatives, among which Bendire’s shrew (S. bendirez) is the largest, 
and Cooper's shrew (S. cooper’) the smallest form. Of the latter Dr. Hart Merriam 
writes that “although underground life does not appear to be as attractive to it as 
to its relatives the moles, yet it avoids too much exposure, and commonly moves, by 
night and by day, under cover of the fallen leaves, twigs, and other débris that 
always cover the ground in our northern forests. The naturalist well knows that, 
however cautiously he may walk, the stir of his footsteps puts to flight many forms 
of life that will reappear as soon as quiet is restored; therefore, in his excursions 
through the woods, he waits and watches, frequently stopping to listen and observe. 
While thus occupied, it sometimes happens that a slight rustling reaches his ear. 
There is no wind, but the eye rests upon a fallen leaf that seems to move. Presently 
another stirs, and perhaps a third turns completely over. Then something evanescent, 
like the shadow of an embryonic mouse, appears and vanishes before the eye can 
catch its perfect image. Anon the restless phantom flits across an open space, 
leaving no trace behind. But a charge of fine shot dropped with quick aim upon 
the next leaf that moves will usually solve the mystery. The author of the per- 
plexing commotion is found to be a curious sharp-nosed creature, no bigger than one’s 
little finger, and weighing hardly more than half a drachm. Its ceaseless activity, 
and the rapidity with which it darts from place to place, are truly astonishing, and 
rarely permit the observer a correct impression of its form. Whenever a tree or a 
large limb falls to the ground these shrews soon find it, examining every part with 
great care, and if a knot-hole or crevice is detected, leading to a cavity within, they 
are pretty sure to enter, carry in materials for a nest, and take formal possession. . . 
Not only are these agile and restless little shrews voracious and almost insatiable, 
consuming incredible quantities of raw meat and insects with great eagerness, but 
they are veritable cannibals withal, and will even slay and devour their own kind.” 
The marsh-shrew (S. palustris) from the Rocky Mountains, together with the 
swimming shrew (S. hydrodromus) from one of the Aleutian Islands, differ from the 
other members of the genus in having their feet provided with fringes of long hair 
to aid them in their aquatie life. 
