THE BANK VOLE 
attracted the attention of MacGillivray before 1838, but for many 
years it was considered a rather uncommon species in places where 
it is now known to be plentiful. 
As with other Voles, it does not occur in Ireland. 
I have found it to be extremely common throughout the year 
near Godalming in Surrey, where every winter numbers enter my 
house ; these however confine themselves to lofts under the tiles or 
to outhouses. They are easily trapped, as, like the Wood Mouse, the 
Bank Vole is very unsuspicious. 
Although of nocturnal habits it may often be seen abroad during 
the day sitting on its haunches while nibbling bulbs and shoots of 
plants, or creeping among the ivy or withered leaves in hedgerows, 
which are a favourite resort and often quite undermined by their 
complicated runs. 
I have observed that this species is very fond of flower borders, 
especially those which are backed by loose stone walls overgrown with 
plants, where it has a safe retreat at hand in the cracks and openings, 
and a varied supply of vegetable food among the beds. 
The Bank Vole lives chiefly on the seeds and shoots of plants ; it is 
also fond of fruit, especially apples, and will gnaw the tender bark of 
young trees. 
In general its habits are much the same as the Field Vole's, but it 
is less of a vegetarian and more alert and quick in its actions than the 
other. It will eat insects, snails, young birds, and other animal food and 
is also addicted to cannibalism. I have found the partially eaten remains 
of one in a trap set among apples on a shelf, and soon afterwards caught 
another of the same species close to what was left of the first. 
As an instance of the boldness of this little animal, Mr. A. H. Cocks, 
writing in the Field (January 25th, 19 19) describes how he once 
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