THE SHEEW-ASH. 27 



will be seen, something like those of the mole, very 

 like those of the hedgehog ; but not at all resembling 

 those of the mouse. 



The shrew is an insect and worm-devouring crea-' 

 ture, for which purpose its jaws, teeth, and whole 

 structure are framed. A rather powerful scent is 

 diffused from the shrew ; and probably on that ac- 

 count cats will not eat a shrew, though they will kill 

 it eagerly. 



On examining "Webster's Dictionary for the mean- 

 ing of the word " shrew," we find three things. 



Firstly, that it signifies " a peevish, brawling, tur- 

 bulent, vexatious woman ". 



Secondly, that it signifies " a shrew-mouse ". 



Thirdly, that it is derived from a Saxon word, 

 " screawa," a combination of letters which defies 

 any attempt at pronunciation, except perhaps by a 

 Russian or a Welshman. 



Now, it may be a matter of wonder that the same 

 word should be used to represent the very unpleasant 

 female above-mentioned, and also such a pretty, 

 harmless little creature as the shrew. The reason is 

 shortly as follows. 



In days not long gone by, the shrew was considered 

 a most poisonous creature, as may be seen in the 

 works of many authors. In the time of Katherine — 

 the shrew most celebrated of all shrews — any 

 cow or horse that was attacked with cramp, or in- 

 deed with any sudden disease, was supposed to have 



