MAMMALIA 7 D 



Order RODENTIA. Fam. MUUIDsK. 



HARVEST MOUSE. 



Mus minutus, Pall. 



This diminutive quadruped is extremely rare in Lakeland. 

 Many years ago a typical nest of this mouse was found by Mr. 

 Duckworth of Blackwell, an observant and painstaking naturalist 

 of the old school. The species reappeared in 1888, because in 

 the autumn of that year a specimen was secured near Silloth by 

 Mr. J. H. Doeg, as I learnt from that gentleman himself at the 

 time. Strangely enough, there does not at present appear to be 

 the slightest proof that the Harvest Mouse exists anywhere in 

 the south of Lakeland. It is possible that both the above- 

 mentioned instances relate to cases of accidental introduction of 

 the species, possibly among seeds or plants sent from the south 

 of England. 



■o J 



LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. 



Mus sylvaticus, L. 



This Mouse is of general distribution throughout Lakeland, 

 and commits serious acts of devastation in kitchen-gardens. It 

 is a very charming little animal nevertheless. Though timid, it 

 is easily tamed, and lives longer in captivity than any of the 

 Voles. Some specimens which I procured for a friend lived 

 upwards of two years in confinement, a considerable period 

 for so small a mammal. 



HOUSE MOUSE. 



Mus musculus, L. 



This generally distributed pest possesses the redeeming 

 feature that it is easily tamed, and readily learns to confide on 

 those whose kind offices induce it to lay aside its natural dis- 

 trust of men. 



Several residents in Carlisle have succeeded in winning the 

 regard of wild mice ; among the number Mr. Eales, who assures 

 me that at one time he derived great pleasure from watching the 



