•516 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



During the winter the animal does not feed much upon its stores, 

 inasmuch as it is buried in the curious state of hibernation 

 during the cold months. At the beginning of spring, however, 

 the hibernation passes off, and is replaced by ordinary sleep, 

 with intervals of wakefulness. 



Now, while the animal hibernates, the tissues of the body 

 undergo scarcely any change, even though no nutriment be 

 taken. But, as soon as the creature resumes its ordinary life, 

 waste goes on, and the creature soon feels the pangs of hunger. 

 Ab the food of the Dormouse consists chiefly of seeds and fruits, 

 it could not find enough nourishment to support the body, and 

 would therefore perish of hunger but for the stores which 

 instinct had taught it to gather in the preceding autumn. 



In the illustration, the stag-beetle and the golden-crested 

 wren have been introduced to show the comparative size of the 

 animals. The old Dormouse does not fear the beetle, and tran- 

 quilly pursues his meal, but the young one is rather discomposed 

 at the intrusion of the big black insect, and meditates a retreat 

 into the nest. 



There are several species of Dormouse, which have similar 

 habits, and at least two of them are found in Europe. These 

 are the Loire (Myoxus glis) and the Leeot {Myoxus guerdnus). 

 The former of these animals is sometimes called the Fat Dor- 

 mouse, because it was in ancient days considered as a great 

 delicacy, and carefully fattened in places called gliraria. This 

 animal is found in France. 



In many parts of the same country the Lerot is a great pest to 

 the gardens, because it is fond of fruit, and has a special liking 

 for the ripest peaches, nectarines, and similar choice fruit. 



Besides those which have been mentioned, several other 

 species of mammalia make aerial nests in the branches of trees, 

 though such nests are only to be considered as exceptions from 

 the general rule. Perhaps the most singular of these exceptions 

 is that which has been discovered in Africa, where human 

 beings systematically build their houses in trees. This curious 

 fact was discovered by Mr. Moffatt, the well-known missionary, 

 in the course of his travels. 



Two traders had been in the country which was ruled by the 

 ferocious chief, Moselekatze, who has derived an unenviable 



