EATS AND MICE. 



71 



They inhabit the rocky sides of valleys, are very voracious and 

 are easily trapped. Tliey do little or no damage to crops, theii- fav- 

 ourite food being carrion and other animal refuse. They have been 

 known to attack sick people, and some grisly tales are t<3ld of wood 

 cutters or charcoal burners, who, working alone in out of the way 

 places, and having fallen ill, have been horribly gnawed before help 

 could reach them. 



The three forms found in Shantung, Shausi, Shensi and Kansu 

 are sub-species of the Sze-chuau form Epy»iis confucianus. The 

 Shantung species, Epijniis confucianus sacrr is larger and heavier 

 than the others. The Shensi and Shausi form is a pale coloured 

 animal called Epymis confucianus luiicolor; while the Ivausu species 

 Epiimis confucianus canorus is intermediate between the E. c. sacer 

 and E. confucianus. 



One otlier rat belonging to tliis geiuis and found in the North 

 China area is Epij)nis Ung, which is very much yellower in colour than 

 E. confucianus. 



The Woodmouse (ApodLiuus spcciosus). 



The third genus. Apodcmus, contains the wood and fieldmice. 

 Of these the wocdmouse (Apoilcinus spcciosus peninsula-) is perhaps 

 the commonest. Eat-like in appearance this animal is very mucli 

 smaller than the common rat and is found in mountainous and well- 

 wooded country. Its range extends from Western Ivansu to Eastern 

 Chihli and from North Sluinsi to South Shensi. It may be found 

 wherever there are woody, or even scrub covered hiUs, ranging from 



