THE WATER VOLE 



Sub-Genus ArviCola. 



THE WATER VOLE. 



Arvicola amphibius, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 32. 



The Water Vole, often called the Water Rat, is the largest of its 

 family, the adults usually measuring about 8^ inches in length of head 

 and body and about 4^ inches in length of tail, though a good deal of 

 variation occurs in the size of different specimens. The form is charac- 

 terised by its general stoutness, and the tail is proportionally longer than 

 in the other Voles. The ears are short, and sometimes nearly concealed 

 by the long bushy fur. 



In colour, the glossy upper parts are greyish brown, often tinged 

 with russet ; the under parts are somewhat lighter. 



A black variety, first described by MacGillivray, often occurs, chiefly 

 in the more northern parts of Scotland, but also in England, especially 

 in the fen districts of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. Although sub- 

 specific rank has lately been given to this race, the only difference 

 appears to be in the darker colour and rather smaller size. A figure of 

 one is shown in the background of the Plate. 



The Water Vole inhabits the greater part of Europe, and is also 



well distributed over Northern Asia. 



It is abundant in places suited to its amphibious tastes over most of 

 England and Scotland, but, like the others of this family, is unknown in 

 Ireland. 



II. 25 D 



