8026 



Birds. 



removing the cotton covering, it appeared to be in a deep sleep, and at 2 p.m. was 

 still sleeping; towards night it awoke, but did not stir. 4tb. At 9 a.m. it was sleeping 

 as before, and at 3 p. m., finding that it had neither moved nor touched its food, and 

 thinking it might be ailing, I took it into my hand ; it was stiff and cold and apparently 

 dead, but on removal to a warm room — where it was also exposed to the sun — it gra- 

 dually revived, but on attempting to run it went spinning round, owing possibly to its 

 having one eye closed. It seemed stupified, however, knocking itself against the wall, 

 window, &c, rejecting nuts and other kinds of food. 5th. At half-past 7 a.m. was still 

 alive, but in a very weakly state; on being taken to the fire it recovered a little, but 

 took no food till it had slaked its thirst ; it drank long and deeply, and in the course 

 of an hour or two it began to feed, taking up part of a nut in its fore paws like a 

 squirrel. 6th. At 9 a. m., as usual of a morning, it seems chilled and cramped : one 

 eye is partially closed, and it is evidently suffering from a cold or chill, but it has fed 

 well during the day. 7th. It is much improved, and has consumed several nuts. 

 8th. It is lively and well, both eyes clear and bright. Though held in the hand for 

 some time, while being examined and measured, it did not attempt to bite. 9th. At 

 half-past 12 a.m. found it running about the cage. I had previously observed that it 

 was more lively and inclined to feed at night, and think it may, like the common mouse, 

 be nocturnal in its habits. Its full and prominent eye seems formed for catching every 

 ray of light. Though restored to health it is still sluggish, sleeping the greater part 

 of the day. On the 29th of March, its having been removed from an empty room to a 

 sleeping apartment may possibly have caused it to wake up somewhat earlier than it 

 otherwise would have done. A slight description may not be unacceptable. Sex, 

 female. The back is yellowish brown, with a grayish tinge, it being covered with long 

 black hairs, interspersed with white. Between the ears there is a darker shade, defining 

 the forehead, which, as well as the cheeks and ears, is of a bright reddish brown. The 

 mystachial bristles black. The centre line of the back and upper part of the tail are 

 a shade or two darker than the rest ; under part of tail of a yellowish gray. Chin light 

 yellowish brown. Neck and breast of a pure white. The rest of the under parts reddish 

 brown, but lighter towards the sides. Forehead bowed. Nose pointed, and of a flesh- 

 colour. Ears rounded and very open. Eyes large, black, prominent, obliquely set. 

 Legs short, flat and very muscular, of ,'a reddish flesh-colour; paws large; toes very 

 long, except the thumb, which is rudimentary, and nailless. Total length, 5-^ inches ; 

 length of tail, hair included, 2$; width of tail, ■$>; head, 1 ; ear, ^ mystachial bristles, 

 1^; longest toe, T 3 5 ; hind paw to end of claw, ^, and in width ; to first joint of leg, 

 ^j, and 5 5 n in width. Its invariable position, except when in action, is a sitting one, with 

 the back much curved, and the tail brought round the body. Though timid it never 

 attempts to escape. — Henry Hadfield ; Ventnor, Isle of Wight, April 9, 1862. 



Early Arrival of Migratory Birds— The mild weather which has prevailed during 

 the greater part of the month of March seems to have had its influence on the move- 

 ment of the migratory birds, if we may judge from the following dates observed at and 

 near Bembridge. March 7. Wheatear ; a single bird on the shore. March 18. Chiff- 

 chaff; numerous. Also a fresh flight of whcatears and many titlarks on the shore. 

 18th. Swallow; one seen at Sundown. 28th. Wryneck; several times heard. 29th. 



