M A M M A L I A — M U SE. 



239 



bers, is, for the stronger to fall upon the weaker. This done, they lay open 

 their skulls, and first eat up the brains, afterwards the rest of their body. 

 The next day, hostilities are renewed in the same manner ; nor do they 

 suspend their havoc till the majority are destroyed. For this reason it is, 

 that, after any place has for a long while been infested with rats, they often 

 seem to disappear of a sudden, and sometimes for a considerable time. 



The female always prepares a bed for her young, and provides them 

 immediately with food. On their first quitting the hole, she watches over, 

 defends, and Avill even fight the cats, in order to save them. The weasel, 

 though a smaller animal, is, however, a still more formidable enemy than 

 the cat. The rat cannot inflict any wounds but by snatches, and with his 

 fore teeth, which, however, being rather calculated for gnawing than for 

 biting, have but little strength ; whereas the weasel bites fiercely with the 

 force of its whole jaw at once, and, instead of letting go its hold, sucks the 

 blood through the wound. In every conflict with an enemy so dangerous, 

 it is no wonder, therefore, that the rat should fall a victim. 



THE MOUSEl 



Is an animal smaller than the rat, as also more numerous, and more gene- 

 rally diffused. Its instinct, its temperament, its disposition is the same ; 

 nor does it materially differ from the rat, but by its weakness, and the habits 

 which it contracts from that circumstance. By nature timid, by necessity 

 familiar, its fears and its wants are the sole springs of its actions. It never 

 leaves its hiding-place, but to seek for food ; nor does it, like the rat, go 

 from one house to another, unless forced to it, or commit by any means so 

 much mischief. When viewed without the absurd di&gust and apprehension 

 which usually accompanies, or is affected at the sight of it, the mouse is a 

 beautiful creature ; 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. Though one of the most timid of creatures, the mouse may be 

 taught to repose confidence in mankind, and will quit its place of refuge to 

 receive food. Some few of this species are of a pure white color, with large 



• Mils musculus, Lin. 



