MAMMALS OF BERMUDA. 161 
In other situations, as the shrub we have mentioned, the nest is com- 
' posed outwardly of leaves of that shrub, with softer vegetable material 
within. In most cases the nest is generally spherical and about a foot 
in diameter. Whenever we have surprised the tenants of these nests 
unawares, we have always observed the young, about half or three parts 
grown, escape, but no old ones. 
It was not until the year 1872 that we were -enabled, through the 
kindness of Prof. 8. F. Baird, satisfactorily to identify the species, as in 
common with the native inhabitants, we had always considered it as 
merely a variety of the brown rat; but in that year, having secured 
two half-grown young from a nest, and perceiving a marked difference 
in the color, especially of the under parts, we forwarded oue to the 
Smithsonian Institution for Professor Baird’s opinion, who at once 
recognized it as the white-bellied or roof rat of the Southern States. 
Mus MUSCULUS, L. 
Common Mouse. 
The common mouse is very abundant throughout the islands, but more 
especially so where surrounding circumstances favor its support and 
increase. In all dwellings and their outhouses it is to be found; but 
usually where rats are numerous the mice are scarce; for there is no 
doubt that the smaller members of the tribe suffer greatly from the con- 
tinued attacks of the larger ones. They are particularly numerous 
about planting land, and do much damage to the root crops, as well as 
to the Indian corn. We have observed them even in the center of the 
marshes where the ground was more or less covered by water, at the 
roots of the tall sedges, making their way over the prostrate stems. 
It can swim well when occasion requires, and has no doubt by this means 
introduced itself into many situations where its occurrence could not 
otherwise be satisfactorily accounted for. Wehave been informed that 
light-colored mice have been seen in different places, which the observers 
have supposed to differ from the common species; but our own investiga- 
tions, which have extended over several years in almost every part of 
the group, do not allow us to concur in the supposition. 
As a somewhat curious circumstance we may state that the common 
domestic fowl of the island will sometimes seize a mouse and eat it. 
Bull. Nat. Mus. No. 25 11 
