106 



VEUTEBRATEK. 



It moves quickly, irregularly, and abruptly, 

 sometimes quits its hole, to bask in the sua. 



In the morning it 

 If disturbed, it in- 



Mole Rat. 



fltantly takes refuge under the surface, burrowing with great agility, 

 a,nd often in a perpendicular direction. It has the peculiar faculty 

 of running backwards with great facility, carrying its head in an 

 erect posture, stopping at the least noise, listening attentively, and 

 when attacked, biting severely. It is singular, when irritated, it 

 utters a snorting sound, and in a very menacing manner gnashes 

 its teeth. 



The Mouse is an animal smaller than the rat, as also more 

 numerous, and more generally diffused. Its instinct, its temper- 

 ament, its disposition is the same; nor does it materially diffei 

 from the rat, but by its weakness, and the habits which it contracts 

 from that circumstance. By nature timid, by necessity familiar, 

 its fears and its wants are the sole springs of its actions. It never 

 leaves its hiding-place but to seek for food ; nor does it, like the 

 rat, go from one house to another, unless forced to it, or commit 

 by any means so much mischief When viewed without the 



