12 QUADRUPEDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



They are undoubtedly useful to man by destroying a great 

 number of insects, and probably they are in no way injurious. 

 They may be preserved in confinement, and fed on flies and meat. 



The Bat is very acute in the sense of hearing, its external audi- 

 tory apparatus being extremely large for an animal so small. This 

 large developement is undoubtedly intended to assist it in taking 

 its prey during a time when the organs of sight are incapable of 

 their fullest exercise. 



FAMILY II. SORICIDJE. The Shrew Family. 



Characters of the family. Insectivorous, or feeding principally 

 on worms and insects. They resemble the bats in the disposition 

 and form of their teeth, more particularly in their molars. The 

 incisors are generally large and robust. Their bodies are cylin- 

 drical, and covered with a fine velvety fur of a bluish black, and 

 quite glossy in its lustre. They are furnished with a flexible pro- 

 boscis, or elongated snout, which projects beyond the incisors, 

 and which is employed both in making its passage in the ground, 

 and for the conveyance of food to its mouth. Their eyes are 

 small and obscure, and concealed in the fur, and their ears scarce- 

 ly project, though their hearing appears to be acute. Tail 

 moderate in length, and covered with hair. Feet all formed for 

 running. Some of the species are furnished with ciliae between 

 their toes to aid them in swimming ; they all take more or less to 

 the water. All the species subsist on animal food, which they 

 require at short intervals. They feed on carrion or putrid flesh, 

 and are hence to some extent scavengers. Some species are 

 quite pugnacious, so that it is rare to find two together, unless in 

 the act of fighting. 



Odor strong and musky, rarely eaten by cats or other animals. 

 The musky glands are situated on the sides nearer the anterior 

 than the posterior extremities. The water species burrow in the 

 banks of streams. They produce from 5 to 8 at a birth. Ani- 

 mals all small, and allied to the true Moles both in structure and 

 habits. 



Genus Sorex. Shrew. 

 Generic characters. Incisors § ; false grinders -§=-§ ; true 

 grinders §=§ ; = 30. Incisors produced in the lower jaw ; base 



