BRITISH MAMMALS 



a snug hiding place for the cold weather. I have known a Wood 

 Mouse to have two winter retreats close together, one made of moss 

 in a thorn hedge, and the other consisting of a burrow in the ground 

 just below. 



When disturbed it would leap from its retreat in the bushes and take 

 refuge in the hole underground. 



The Wood Mouse is a favourite prey for Owls, Kestrels, Weasels, 

 and other predatory animals. 



BRITISH YELLOW-NECKED WOOD MOUSE. 



Mus sylvatiais wintoni, Barrett-Hamilton. 

 Plate 27. 



This handsome variety, first recognised by Mr. De Winton and 

 described by him in 1894, is of large size and bright colouring, with 

 a well marked band of pale yellowish buff across the chest. The centre 

 of this branches upwards and downwards, and forms a kind of cross. 

 An adult male has a total length from nose to tip of tail of 8| inches, 

 the tail being usually the same length as the head and body combined. 

 The hind feet and legs are very large and strong. The ears are also 

 large and beautifully modelled, suggesting in their delicate outlines the 

 structure of some sea shell. 



This mouse is very strong and active, and can leap to a considerable 

 height. 



It is common in Surrey, where, as in other districts, it seems to occur 

 more frequently in houses and garden sheds than elsewhere, though 

 owing to its strictly nocturnal habits its presence out of doors may pass 

 unnoticed. Every winter I catch numbers in a loft in my house where 



