160 MAMMALS OF BERMUDA. 
many years before the wreck of Sir George Somers’ vessel, which is so 
graphically described in the work referred to. And itis, moreover, very 
probable that the tree or roof rat, which was an Old World species origin- 
ally from Egypt and Nubia, from which it was taken to Italy and Spain,* 
was introduced into the Bermudas by the several wrecks of Spanish ves- 
sels which during the sixteenth century were evidently cast upon them. 
Many of these vessels were possibly cast away on the western reefs, as 
are most of the vessels voyaging from the West Indies to Europe atthe 
present day. In this case the rats would have landed on the shores of 
Somerset parish, which face these reefs, and finding ample food for some 
years for their wants, would have had no occasion to migrate to other 
parts of the group. But after a lapse of a few years, taking into con- 
sideration the fecundity of the race in a genial climate, and the absence 
of all enemies, their numbers would increase so prodigiously that all 
available food would be consumed and a migration rendered absolutely 
necessary. Thus would occur the sudden invasion made upon the crops 
and stores of the early settlers who were established at the east end of 
the islands, for by the natural instinct granted to all animals, the posi- 
tion of food in plenty would soon be discovered, especially by these 
starving creatnres. 
The tree rat is very fond of fruits, and will climb up and do great dam- 
- age, especially to crops of oranges. We have reason to believe that it 
is this species which is also so destructive to the root crop. In common 
with the brown rat, they will frequent stables for the purpose of pro- 
curing the oats or Indian corn given to the horses, but while the lat- 
ter species generally makes its exit when surprised by holes in the 
floor, the former takes to the roof and eseapes by the opening under 
the eaves. It builds its nests either in the dilapidated roofs of old 
houses or outhouses, or in trees. In the latter case it chooses various 
positions, but generally one which enables it to rest secure from the 
effects of the heavy gales of wind which are of frequent occurrence. 
We have found them as high as 20 feet from the ground, situate in an 
angle formed by the bole of an aged cedar and a lateral branch of the 
same; also within a few feet of the ground, in the fork of a branch of 
cedar. Again, in a low bush in a swamp, a few feet above the stagnant 
water. The nests which occur in the cedars are composed entirely of 
the bark of the same trees, called “bass” by the islanders; the long, 
coarse strips outside, while within, the substance gets finer and finer. 
* Baird, Mammals of North America. 
