GNAWERS. 107 



absurd disgust and apprehension which usually acconipanies, or is 

 affected at the sight of it, the mouse is a beautiful creature ; its 

 skin is sleek and soft, its eyes bright and lively, all its limbs are 

 formed with exquisite delicacy, and its motions are smart and 

 active. Though one of the most timid of creatures, the mouse 

 may be taught to repose confidence in mankind, and will quit its 

 place of refuge to receive food. Some few of this species are of a 

 pure« white color, with large red eyes; but whether they be a per- 

 manent kind, or only an accidental variety, cannot well be deter- 

 mined. 



But for its immense fecundity, the species of the mouse 

 could not subsist. Even in mouse-traps they have been known to 

 bring forth. They produce at all seasons, and several times in the 

 year. Their usual number at a birth is five or six ; and these, i7j 

 less than fifteen days, attain growth and strength sufficient to rur. 

 about and shift for themselves. As in these respects they soon 

 attain perfection, so the duration of their life must be very short j 

 a circumstance which cannot but heighten our idea of their pro- 

 digious multiplication. 



The Long-tailed Field Mouse is smaller than the rat, 

 but larger than the common mouse, and does not live in houses. 

 It is remarkable for the largeness and prominence of its eyes j it 

 differs likewise both from the rat and the mouse in the color of its 

 skin, which, while it is tolerably white under the belly, is of a 

 reddish brown upon the back. The species is generally and abun- 

 dantly diffused. 



It appears that they are a long time in attaining their full 

 growth, as they vary considerably in size. The largest are rather 

 more than four inches in length, from' the tip of the nose to the 

 insertion of the tail; and the smallest, which appear to be full 

 grown as well as the others, are an inch shorter. As there are 

 found many of diffjrent intermediate sizes, however, there is no 

 room to doubt but that the larger and the smaller are all of the 

 same species. 



These creatufes are fond of dry and elevated grounds. In 

 woods, and in the fields adjoining to them, they are to be found in 



