56 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 
nor the injury they inflict is suspected. Bulbs 
planted hopefully in autumn, appear not at all 
in spring, or only in the shape of sickly plants. 
Nursery and orchard trees fail without reason 
until their roots are examined and the work of 
this hidden nibbler is disclosed. 
Géneral wild habits.’ It appears then that in 
habits there is considerable variety among the 
mice of this group (Microtine), but least in the 
matter of diét. While some species have a 
vastly widespread range, others are confined to 
very limited localities. Some species prefer 
high and dry ground, while others live i in low, 
moist places. Except in cold weather, nearly 
all Species can temporarily adapt themselves to 
moist surroundings; but a few seem to be al- 
most as aquatic as the nearly-allied muskrat. 
Some dwell in forests, others in the open 
prairies; some burrow under the ground like 
moles, while others make smooth paths or trails 
upon its surface. 
The ‘nests of meadow-mice are compact 
bunches or globes, composed chiefly of grass 
blades and other dry vegetable fibers. They 
are placed in depressions in the ground, in 
