THE LIFE OF MAMMALS 
the densest forests. They are perhaps most numerous in well-watered 
grass lands. Jn localities where they are abundant most of the species 
Meadow make their presence known by trails or runways traced 
Mouse. through the vegetation near their burrows. Occasionally, 
however, they occupy hollows in decaying logs or among loose rocks, and 
use natural crevices instead of beaten paths. While the great majority 
of the species spend 
much of their time on 
the surface, protected by 
the overhanging vegeta- 
tion, a few live al- 
most exclusively under 
ground, and in conse- 
quence of this habit 
have acquired numerous 
modifications which fit 
them for the needs of 
a subterranean life. 
Others are amphibious, 
and never occur at any 
great distance from 
water. At least one member of the subfamily is said to live among the 
branches of trees (Douglas spruce, in Oregon). The food is chiefly vege- 
table, though most species occasionally eat animal food. The vegetable 
food consists principally of grass stems, though roots, bark, leaves, seeds, 
and fruit are at times eaten in varying quantities. As voles are readily 
caught in traps baited with meat, it is probable that flesh forms part of 
their normal food. Mollusks are eaten freely when they can be obtained. 
“The voles and lemmings breed very rapidly during the warmer part 
of the year. The number of young in a litter varies from one or two to ten. 
The young are born in nests made of soft vegetable fibers. The nests 
are usually placed in a burrow or beneath shelter of some kind, and vary 
with the size of the animals.” 
oe Paihia. Ser paced j 
MEADOW MOUSE. 
Every American book of natural history has much to say of 
these little creatures, one of the best accounts being that by 
Kennicott,* from whose writings, buried in the Smithsonian 
Reports, I have made somewhat extensive quotations on this 
subject elsewhere.** See also the books of Audubon, Thoreau, 
432 
