DORMICE. 



Dormice are plentiful in Devon, and, in fact, in most 

 of the Southern counties where there are copse-woods. 

 They are dormant, or asleep, from four to five months in 

 the year. Their nests are like round balls formed of sedge 

 grass, twigs and moss, and are about the size of an average 

 lad's fist. They are attached to twigs and low bushes 

 about 2 ft. from the ground. If during the cold weather 

 a nest be torn open the occupant will appear as if dead, 

 but if put into a warm place or held in the hands it will 

 gradually awaken and become lively. 



During frost their house is entirely shut up, but if the 

 weather be warm and plenty of sun, they resume active life. 

 They are always great pets, but require care, as they are 

 exceedingly delicate. Their feather-like tails are very 

 pretty, and in many cases if held only slightly by it the 

 whole skin will slip off, then the beauty of the little 

 animal is spoilt ; the fur never grows again, and the loss 

 of the tail generally ends in death. Dormice should be 

 kept very warm during the winter to prevent them from 

 becoming dormant. 



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