38 The White-Footed Mouse 



and if disturbed they hasten out, making their way 

 along the branches to the ground. If the disturbance 

 is slight, they come out upon the branches, gaze about 

 on all sides and gently sniff the air, not returning 

 until they are satisfied that all danger has passed. 



Among the various species of mice there has been 

 found from time to time the "singing mouse," and 

 even among the white-footed variety it is no exception, 

 according to a note that appeared in the American 

 Naturalist several years ago by Mr. Hiskey, who 

 wrote as follows: 



"I was sitting a few evenings since, not far from a 

 half-open closet door, when I was startled by a sound 

 issuing from the closet, of such marvelous beauty 

 that I at once asked my wife how Bobbie Burns (our 

 canary) had found his way into the closet, and what 

 could start him to singing such a queer and sweet song 

 in the dark. I procured a light, and found it to be a 

 mouse! He had filled an overshoe from a basket of 

 popcorn which had been popped and placed in the 

 closet in the morning. Whether this rare collection of 

 food inspired him with song I know not, but I had 

 not the heart to disturb his corn, hoping to hear from 

 him again. Last night his song was renewed. I ap- 

 proached with a subdued light and with great caution, 

 and had the pleasure of seeing him sitting among his 



