520 MR. AUSTEN ON THE HABITS OF THE WATER-SHREW. [June 27, 
the loose soil, and end in a small chamber, furnished with a bed of 
moss and dry grass. In this secluded retreat the young are produced 
about the middle of May, there being usually from six to ten in the 
litter. When first born, they are curious pinky-white little animals, 
with round blunt noses and semitransparent bodies, bearing as little 
resemblance as possible to their parents. A small colony of these 
Shrews frequently inhabit the same spot, and towards the cool of the 
evening may be observed searching for food, and sporting with each 
other in the water, now hiding behind stones or large leaves to elude 
their companions, and then darting out to engage in a general skir- 
mishing chase, diving and swimming with the greatest activity, and 
occasionally taking a plunge into their holes. By constantly traver- 
sing the same ground, in going and returning from their burrows, 
they gradually tread down a path among the grass and herbage, by 
which their presence may readily be discovered by an experienced 
eve. When under water their fur is covered with multitudes of tiny 
air-bubbles, that shine like silver, and have a beautiful effect when 
seen against the dark surface of the body. Spots where the stream 
in some bend of its course forms a little pool are the favourite re- 
sorts of this pretty little creature; and, although easily startled by 
the slightest noise, their range of vision seems far from extensive, as, 
by quietly approaching, I have often succeeded in watching their 
ambols without causing alarm among the small community. The 
food of the Water-Shrew includes insects, worms, young frogs, and 
small fish, which latter it pursues and captures with all the graceful 
dexterity of the Otter. Iam enabled to speak with certainty as to 
this fact, by observing the mode employed by my own pets in seizing 
their prey. I obtained them in the following manner :—Having no- 
ticed a very fine pair that frequented a small pond, | set several circular 
wire mouse-traps, baited with small frogs, in what I supposed to be 
their favourite runs, and secured both male and female by the next 
morning. I had already had a cage constructed as much as possible 
in accordance with what I knew of their mode of life. It was shaped 
like an ordinary arched dormouse-cage, but considerably larger than 
those used, being 12 inches in height by 18 in length ; a zine tank 
was also adapted to hook on to the doorway, so that they might 
enjoy the comfort of a bath. When first introduced into their new 
dwelling, the Shrews evinced no symptoms of fear, appearing quite 
at home, and feeding freely on worms, raw meat, and insects. A 
few days after I procured them, I placed three or four minnows in 
the bath attached to the main part of the cage. Directly the Shrews 
caught sight of the fish, they both plunged instantly into the water, 
and quickly reappeared, each having secured a victim, which they 
proceeded to discuss with great apparent gusto, having first killed 
it by a bite through the head. I remarked that while feeding they 
held the fish firmly between their fore paws, in the same manner as 
the Otter, and, commencing at the head, ate gradually downwards, 
by a succession of sharp snapping bites. Their appetites were very 
good, as they frequently consumed two or three minnows each in 
one day—a very tolerable amount, considering their size. When 
