1895.] MYODES LEMMUS. 49 



river. In Finmarken, during the great migratory year 1876, I 
examined several large specimens of the first named species 
whose stomachs contained lemmings, in å more or less digested 
condition. 
16. The Lemmings and Water. 
During their normal existence on the mountain plateaux, 
they do not appear to have any partiality for water, and are 
but seldom seen swimming in it, even though they may prefer 
swampy ground for their dwelling place. 
On the other hand it is well known that, during the migra- 
tions, they do not allow themselves to be stopped by rivers, or 
even by the arms of å fjord, but trust themselves, without hesi- 
tation, to the mercy of the waves, in order to reach the opposite 
shore. It would almost seem as if no stretch of water were too 
wide for them to cross if they but see land on the other side. 
During the great migration in the district of Trondhjem, in 
1868, which has previously been mentioned, å steamer on the 
Trondhjem Fjord steamed into a crowd of swimming lemmings 
of such vast extent that she took over å quarter of an hour to 
pass through it, and as far as one could see from the vessel 
down the fjord, its waters were covered everywhere with tliese 
animals. During the great migratory years, similar accounts are 
received from all the great lakes (Mjösen, Randsfjord, Kröderen 
&e. &C.). 
In their progress across these wide lakes and branches of 
fjords, immense numbers are lost. This is especially the case 
in the western. and northern coastal districts. It may here be 
said that, *they will not be stopped by the ocean”, but blindly 
yleld themselves up to it when they cannot proceed further on 
land. 
Chr. Vid.-Selsk. Forh. 1895. No. 3. 4 
