THE COMMON MOUSE. 



Generic Characters. 

 Two cutting teeth in each jaw. 

 Four toes before; five behind. 



Tail very llender and taper; naked, or very llightly haired. 



Synonims. 

 Mus Musculus, Linn. Syjl. S3. 

 Mus Cauda longissima, Brijfon Quad. \ \Q. 

 Mus Domesticus, Gefner Quad. 714. Rail Syn. Quad. 218. 

 Mus minor, Klein Quad. 

 Mauss, Kramer Auftr. 3i6\ 

 La Souris, de Buffon, vii. 309. tab. lix. 



THIS little domeftic animal is fo well known, that a particular 

 defcription of it is wholly unnecetfary. It is naturally the moft timid 

 of quadrupeds; yet neceffity teaches it an appearance of boldnefs and 

 familiarity; and, being unable to provide for its own wants, it follows 

 man wherever he fixes his abode, and is his conftant, though unwelcome, 

 attendant; and, fo great is its apparent attachment, that, when it has once 

 fixed its refidence, it is impoffible to dillodge it but by actual deftruction. 

 Notwithstanding its predilection for the habitations of man, it cautioully 

 ihuns his prefence, and, as if confcious of the mifchief it does him, feems 

 anxious to Ihun the punifhment due to its petty offences. All its motions 

 feem to be prompted either by fear or neceffity: it never quits its retreat 

 but in fearch of food, and for this purpofe it generally prefers the night, and 

 feldom ventures far from home, and, on the lean: appearance of danger, 



