BRITISH MAMMALS 



for some time in captivity were very clever in catching any small 

 flies w^hich entered their cage, when they were promptly seized and 

 eaten. 



These mice make interesting and cleanly little pets, and soon get 

 accustomed to captivity. 



THE WOOD MOUSE. 



Mus sylvaticus, Linnseus. 

 Plate 26. 



The Wood Mouse, also known as the Field Mouse or Long-tailed 

 Field Mouse, is subject to great variation in size and colour which has 

 led modern naturalists to sub-divide it into many local varieties or sub- 

 species. It is one of the most common and widely distributed of British 

 mammals. 



The prevalent form inhabiting our islands (the Mus sylvaticus inter- 

 medius of Millais) has in general a length in head and body of 3I inches, 

 with about the same measurement for the tail. The colour of the upper 

 parts is a yellowish brown, brighter on the cheeks and along the lower 

 part of the ribs, and shaded with blackish hairs which are most distinct 

 about the back. The basal portion of the fur is dark slate colour. The 

 under parts are white or greyish white with usually a breast-spot of a 

 huffish tint. The feet are light greyish flesh colour. 



The young are always much greyer and duller in colour. 



This species is easily distinguished from the Common House Mouse, 

 apart from its brighter colouring, by the large prominent black eyes and 

 much longer ears, hind legs, and tail. In general, the Wood Mouse 

 has also a more thoroughbred look than the other. 



4 



