Quadrupeds. 



8025 



Concerning a Dormouse. — On the 3rd of January, when in search of ferns, a lad 

 who accompanied ine, seeing a nest on the ground picked it up ; it proved to be that 

 of a dormouse, probably taken from a neighbouring thicket by boys, and thrown away 

 under the impression of its being an old bird's nest ; but the mouse apparently had 

 been undisturbed by the rough handling, though the nej=t was in a disordered and 

 ragged state. When brought into the house it was placed in a common bird-cage, 

 being still in a deep slumber, but on removal to a warm room it soon began to stir 

 itself, springing about the cage in the most agile manner, running up the wires with 

 the greatest ease imaginable. When handled it made no attempt to resent the liberty. 

 After perambulating the cage for awhile with a view to escape it became reconciled to 

 its prison-house, settling quietly down, and ere long relapsing into its usual state of 

 torpidity. It was fat and sleek, notwithstanding its long fast. On the 4th of March 

 I carried it to have its photographic likeness taken. Though a frosty day — shortly 

 after removal from the box compartment of its new cage — I perceived that it had 

 slightly uncoiled itself, though held in a cold hand, and on reaching the photographer's 

 I found that it had so far relaxed as to have assumed a semicircular form, not unlike 

 the sign of the "Golden Fleece," and as inanimate too, and, its eyes being closed, a 

 partial observer would have pronounced it dead, but it breathed nevertheless, and might, 

 by an attentive ear, be heard to emit a faint and plaintive note, rather than a squeak 

 or snore. Possibly the warmth of band or room may have led the mouse to dream of 

 verdaut spring, hazel woods and absent mate. Though not weighed, I feel confident 

 that it has fallen off in condition during the two months it has been in confinement; 

 not that it could have fed had it been at liberty, seeing that it has been in a constant 

 state of torpor. Shelled nuts and other food were provided for it, but nothing having 

 been touched there is reason to doubt whether it feeds at all during the winter months, 

 notwithstanding all that has been advanced to the contrary. For instance, Mactrillivray 

 says, "And rolling itself into a ball it falls into a state of torpidity, from which it is 

 now and then aroused by an unusually mild day, when it partakes of its provision." 

 If such be its habit, why are we not informed how and where it stores its food ? When 

 and by whom observed quitting its nest for the purpose of feeding ? Mr. Salmon 

 (quoted by the above author) states, " that it experienced no difficulty in either ascend- 

 ing or descending the polished backs of the chairs.'' But unless the backs of the 

 chairs were greatly inclined, I do not see how a footing could be obtained, but as be 

 says that " on being set at liberty it sprang at least two yards on to a table," I conclude 

 that it ascended and descended the backs of the chairs in a similar manner. Up to 

 this time (30th of March), the mouse had been in a profound sleep, but before daylight 

 it left its box and entered the cage, the rotatory motion of which was heard for some 

 time. It has eaten some barley and bread crumbs during the day, and all its natural 

 functions are restored. March 31. In the morning it was found sleeping, partly coiled 

 up, head downwards. It has been very sluggish both yesterday and to day, but its 

 sense of hearing is very acute, raising its head at the slightest noise or whistle, and 

 peering up at one with its large and prominent black eyes. April 1. At 9 a. m. found 

 that the little animal had worked its way into the centre of a mass of cotton wool, so 

 as to be completely concealed. At half-past 3 o'clock it was still sleeping, but on the 

 cotton being moved it awoke, shook itself and resumed its nap. 2nd. At half-past 8 

 a. m. found the mouse snugly ensconced amid the cotton, looking like a ball, except 

 that the head protruded somewhat; it was awake, however, and appeared to be eyeing 

 me. At 10 p.m. it was sleeping on its side, partly rolled up. 3rd. At 8 a. m. on 



VOL. XX. 2 D 



