3<So HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Lesser DORMOUSE 



is rather larger than the Moufe, of a tawny-red colour, 



with a white throat, and full black eyes. It lives in 



woods or thick hedges ; makes its neft with grafs, dried 

 leaves, or mofs, in the hollow of a tree, or the bottom 

 of a thick bum j and brings forth three or four young at 

 a time. 



It lays up (lores of nuts, acorns, and beans ; and re- 

 tires, at the approach of the cold weather, to its retreat; 

 where it rolls itfelf up in a warm neft, made of foft 

 mofs, &c ; and remains in a torpid ftate during the con- 

 tinuance of winter. The warmth of a funny day, or a 

 temporary change from cold to heat, will fometimes re- 

 vive it ; but after taking a little food, it foon relapfes 

 into its former ftate. 



