BRITISH MAMMALS 



THE COMMON MOUSE OR HOUSE MOUSE. 



Mus nmsculus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 28. 



Smaller than the Wood Mouse, this species is easily distinguished 

 from the other by its dull and more uniform colour, small beady eyes, 

 and shorter ears and tail. The whiskers are also neither so long nor 

 so plentiful. 



The head and body of the adult measure about 3^ inches, the tail about 

 3^ inches. 



The colour of the fur in the upper parts is a dusky brownish grey, 

 fading into grey on the sides and belly. The Common Mouse is subject to 

 considerable variation of colour, those living an outdoor life away from 

 houses having usually a more sandy hue than their indoor relations, while 

 black, dark brown, white, or spotted examples are not uncommon. Some 

 local varieties have been noticed on the Scottish Islands, the most distinct 

 being the House Mouse of St. Kilda. 



As far as we know the Common Mouse had its origin in Asia, whence 

 it spread into Europe in pre-historic times. 



It usually makes a home for itself in dwelling houses and will quietly 

 enter new premises even before the building is completed. Breeding many 

 times in the year and producing half-a-dozen young at a time, it increases 

 enormously under favourable conditions, and like the Brown Rat soon 

 becomes a plague if not kept within bounds. Great damage is done by 

 mice in corn ricks, where they will often collect in hundreds. It is less 

 nocturnal in its habits than the Wood Mouse and will often come out in 

 daylight when in search of attractive food. 



10 



