BRITISH MAMMALS 
THE COMMON FIELD VOLE. 
Microtiis agrestts, Linnaeus. 
Plate 31. 
This species may be distinguished at a glance from the Bank Vole by its 
larger and rounder head, blunter muzzle, and by the ears being more or less 
concealed by the fur. The tail is also much shorter and the colour duller. 
The average length of the head and body is about 4. inches, that of the 
tail about ig inches. 
The general colour of the upper parts is a greyish brown, the under 
surface dull white or grey. Some individuals are brighter than others, with 
a more russet tinge on the back. 
There are few cultivated areas in Europe where the Field Vole or 
closely allied races do not occur, and throughout Great Britain and many of 
its islands the species is abundant wherever there is sufficient grass land to 
suit its habits. 
In the Orkneys its place is taken by the large Orkney Vole, but the 
common form, or at least closely related forms, inhabit many of the 
Hebridean Islands. It is not known in Ireland. 
Sociable in its habits, colonies, often consisting of a large number of 
individuals, are generally to be found among the rough pasturage of 
meadows or sheep-walks, especially in luxuriant moist localities, as this 
species is fond of water. In such places their runs may be seen spreading 
in all directions, either winding among the herbage or tunnelled under the 
surface of the ground. 
From the earliest times in history attention has been directed to the 
destruction caused to crops and pasturage by these animals, when favourable 
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