166 CURIOUS HOMES AND THEIR TENANTS. 



ever got there. Moreover, in addition to this, we 

 wonder how their mother can feed them, or how 

 the nest can contain them all as they grow larger, for 

 they seem as closely packed away as sardines in a box. 

 No doubt, however, impossible as it appears, the elas- 

 ticity of the nest allows Mrs. Mouse to get through 

 its meshes, and accommodates the space inclosed to 

 the needs of the little creatures within it. 



At any rate, they all manage to escape from their 

 close quarters as soon as they can see and are strong 

 enough to provide for themselves, after which the 

 mother gives them a few practical instructions in the 

 art of making a living and then leaves them to their 

 own devices. It is said by close observers of their 

 habits that as they increase in age they improve in 

 nest- building. 



