130 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 
8 \ wy 
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THE WATER-VOLE (3 nat, 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 only, 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 
