MAMMALIA—MOUSE. 239 
‘ers, 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 wiil 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 dangercus, 
it isno wonder, therefore, that the rat should fall a victim. 
fHE MOUSE! 



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 
rauch mischief. When viewed without the absurd disgust and apprehension 
which usually accompanies, or 1s affected at the sight of it, the mouse isa 
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 
1 Mus musculus, Lax 
