THE BANK VOLE 

 attracted the attention of MacGillivray before 1838, but for many 

 years it was considered a rather uncommon species in places where 

 it is now known to be plentiful. 



As with other Voles, it does not occur in Ireland. 



I have found it to be extremely common throughout the year 

 near Godalming in Surrey, where every winter numbers enter my 

 house; these however confine themselves to lofts under the tiles or 

 to outhouses. They are easily trapped, as, like the Wood Mouse, the 

 Bank Vole is very unsuspicious. 



Although of nocturnal habits it may often be seen abroad during 

 the day sitting on its haunches while nibbling bulbs and shoots of 

 plants, or creeping among the ivy or withered leaves in hedgerows, 

 which are a favourite resort and often quite undermined by their 

 complicated runs. 



I have observed that this species is very fond of flower borders, 

 especially those which are backed by loose stone walls overgrown with 

 plants, where it has a safe retreat at hand in the cracks and openings, 

 and a varied supply of vegetable food among the beds. 



The Bank Vole lives chiefly on the seeds and shoots of plants ; it is 

 also fond of fruit, especially apples, and will gnaw the tender bark of 

 young trees. 



In general its habits are much the same as the Field Vole's, but it 

 is less of a vegetarian and more alert and quick in its actions than the 

 other. It will eat insects, snails, young birds, and other animal food and 

 is also addicted to cannibalism. I have found the partially eaten remains 

 of one in a trap set among apples on a shelf, and soon afterwards caught 

 another of the same species close to what was left of the first. 



As an instance of the boldness of this Httle animal, Mr. A. H. Cocks, 

 writing in the Field (January 25th, 1919) describes how he once 



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