THE SONDETL. 99 
The odoriferous substance which is secreted by the above-mentioned 
glands is of a musky nature, and possesses the property of penetrating and 
adhering to every substance over which the Musk Rat has passed. The 
musky odour clings so pertinaciously to the objects which are impregnated 
with its tainting contact, that in many cases they become entirely useless. 
Provisions of all kinds are frequently spoiled by the evil odour with which 
they are saturated; and of so penetrating a nature is the musky scent, 
that the combined powers of glass and cork are unable to preserve the con- 
tents of bottles from its unpleasant influence. Let a Sondeli but run over a 
a bottle of wine, and the contained liquid will be so powerfully scented with a 
musky savour that it will be rendered unfit for civilized palates, and must be 
removed from the neighbourhood of other wines, lest the contaminating 
influence should extend to them also. 
In colour it is not unlike the common shrew of England, having a slight 
chestnut or reddish tinge, upon a mouse-coloured ground, fading into grey on 
SONDELL,—(S07ex mus tnus.) 
the under parts of the body. In size, however, it is much the superior of 
that animal, being nearly as large as the common brown, or “ Hanoverian” 
rat. The hair is very short, and the peculiar reddish brown hue of the fur 
is caused by the different tintings of the upper and under fur. 
DURING the autumnal months of the year, the country roads and bypaths 
are frequently rendered remarkable by the presence of little mouse-like 
animals, with long snouts, that lie dead upon the ground, without mark of 
external injury to account for the manner of their decease. ; 
These are the bodies of the SHREW MOUSE of England, otherwise known 
by the name of ERD SHREW. ; re 
The head of the Shrew is rather long, and its apparent length is increased 
by the long and flexible nose which gives so peculiar an aspect to the animal, 
and serves to distinguish it at a glance from the common mouse, which it 
so nearly resembles in general shape and colour. The object of this elongated 
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