OEDEE OF EODENTIA. 



443 



it is not necessary to describe its habits, as they are so well 

 known. This little animal is a troublesome guest in our houses, 

 and even makes its way into movable furniture. Although it is 

 timid and inoifensive, it is a cause of fright to children and weak- 

 minded persons. Terror, however, gives way to curiosity when 

 the Mouse belongs to the white variety, for "White Mice are 

 frequently made pets of. 



The Mouse does not inhabit houses exclusively ; it is likewise 

 found in gardens and fields. This species is believed originally 

 to be indigenous to Europe ; but it is now plentiful everywhere. 



The Dwarf or Harvest Mouse (Fig. 181) is the smallest, the 

 most graceful, at the same time the prettiest of all the genus. 



Fig. 180. — Common Mouse {Musmuscutus). 



Its size is not much more than half that of the Common Mouse. 

 Its coat is tawny on the back, with a brighter shade on the 

 flanks; while the lower part of the head, the chest, and the 

 belly, is white, soft, and silky. Its habits are very interesting. 

 The receptacle which it constructs for the reception of its progeny 

 is a marvel of architectural skill. This delicate piece of work 

 bears considerable resemblance to the nests of the Tomtit. It is 

 spherical in shape, and is no larger than the small balls played 

 with by children. Being composed of grass and leaves artisti- 

 cally interwoven, it is skilfully poised at the intersection of two 

 or three straws of grain, bound together about half-way up. 



