42 ZOOLOGY. 



fused together along the middle 'line (cp. Figs. 24 

 and 23). The native species all belong to the genus 

 Arvicola; the Bank Vole {Arvicola glareolus), the 

 Water Eat, or Water Vole {A. amphibius), and the 

 Short-tailed Field Mouse, or Field Vole {A. agrestis). 



The brownish-red Bank Vole {A. glareolus) occurs 

 in forests. 



The Water Eat, or Water Vole (A. amphibius). 

 Body six inches long, tail half the length of the body. 

 Fur of one colour, brighter on the under side, varying 

 from brownish grey to brownish black on the back, 

 and from whitish to greyish black on the belly. On 

 the banks of rivers, brooks, ditches, canals, etc. ; also 

 on damp low-lying meadows and fields. Digs much- 

 branched passages in the soil ; this often takes place 

 in embankments to such an extent that it finally leads 

 to their complete destruction. The vole also does 

 damage in grass-fields and cornfields in the same way 

 as the mole (p. 33). In its case, howevei-, there is 

 no compensating service. It certainly eats insects and 

 w^ns, but its chief food is of vegetable nature ; grain, 

 potatoes, turnips, and carrots are devoured by it in 

 large quantity, and in particular stored up in its 

 hiding-place. It also destroys the roots of grass and 

 corn, and eagerly devours chickens and the eggs of 

 ducks and geese. A variety (A. amphibius, var. 

 terrestris) occurs in dry soils, and is distinguished by 

 its smaller size, lighter colour, and shorter tail. Its 

 habits are the same as those of the ordinary form, 

 but it is more given to attacking trees. 



Traps, shooting, poisoning with celery stumps 

 hollowed out and filled with phosphorus, or else with 

 phosphorus paste. 



The Field Vole, or Short-tailed Field Mouse {A. agres- 

 tis). A small animal, with dark brownish grey back 

 and greyish white belly. [Lives in pastures, especially 

 those which are low-lying and damp. Large numbers 

 are found together, and they make deep burrows in 



