MAMMALIA OF GREAT YARMOUTH. 303 
rear her progeny. I have signally failed in tempting a mother 
even to notice her offspring. 
Mote (Talpa europea). C.—Undoubtedly on the increase on 
the marsh-lands, and indeed elsewhere, now that Weasels are 
being so ruthlessly exterminated. On dry uplands have observed 
it tunnelling near the surface in strawberry-beds, eagerly pursuing 
the Strawberry Beetle (Harpalus ruficornis), which in the day- 
time remains quiescent about a couple of inches below the surface. 
I have observed examples swimming inthe Bure. Cream-coloured 
_ Moles are not rare. “A large rusty-white variety was common 
at Oby ” (vide Trans. Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc. 1870-71, p. 74). 
Mr. Last Farman records a Mole with two snouts found at Haddis- 
coe. He has also found maize in Mole-heaps far from habitations ; 
also “pints of worms tied in knots”’ therein. 
Common SHREw (Sorex vulgaris). C.—More often found dead 
than seen alive. Ina barrow-load of Owl-pellets I examined at 
Tunstall, in August, 1896, I found as many skeletons of Shrews 
as Field Mice (Mus sylvaticus). Local, ‘‘Ranny”; ‘‘ Shrew- 
mouse.” 
Water SHREw (Crossopus fodiens). F.C. — “ Marsh ditch- 
banks; rather rare”’ (Pagets). More numerous than is generally 
supposed. Its timidity of disposition and retiring habits make 
it exceedingly difficult of observation; and even when unaware of 
one’s presence its movements are not easily distinguished, as it 
worms itself amongst the luxuriant herbage at the ditch-sides. 
Mostly its tiny bullet-like ‘‘plump” into the water is the only 
indication of its proximity. The variety known as the “ Oared 
Shrew ” I have not met with here. 
Fox (Vulpes vulgaris). A.—‘' Now (1834) very seldom seen ”’ 
(Pagets). Undoubtedly the indigenous local race is extinct. Its 
occurrence as a straggler is of very rare occurrence. One seen at 
Haddiscoe, about twelve years ago, crossing the river (L. Farman). 
Pint Marten (Mustela martes). H.—The Pagets, referring 
to the Marten as Viverra foina, speak of it as ‘‘ formerly at Her- 
ringfleet and Toft; now extremely rare.” Has probably been 
extinct in this neighbourhood for half a century. 
WeaseEx (M. vulgaris). C.— Notwithstanding incessant per- 
secution is still fairly common. It is no unusual thing to see 
Strings of carcases hanging to warren-fences and gamekeepers’ 
