222 
Vermin of the Farm. 
in tlie second edition of liis “ Britisli Quadrupeds/’ and thence 
it has been copied, with but little addition, by almost every wi’iter 
on the subject of British Mammalia. 
The characteristic features which serve to distinguish the 
voles (Arvicolidce) from the true mice (Muridce) have already been 
pointed out (page 217.) In the British Islands we have three 
species of the former, namely the short-tailed vole (Arvicola 
agrestis), (Fig. 3) ; the bank vole (Arvicola glareolus), a somewhat 
smaller animal, redder in colour, with larger and more upright 
ears, narrower and less flattened head, larger eyes, and longer tail ; 
Fig. 3. — The Short-tailed Vole, Arvicola n(jrestis. 
and the well-known water vole (Arvicola amjAiibius), commonly 
called the water rat. 
All three are herbivorous, and the first named is particularly 
destructive on pasture lands, where, if not kept in check, it will 
increase enormously and rapidly, to the serious prejudice of the 
sheep and consequent loss to the farmer. It is usually, but not 
exclusively, found in damp situations, whence its local names of 
“ meadow mouse ” and “ water mouse.” It forms burrows of 
considerable extent, as well as more superficial runs amongst the 
roots of the grass and herbage, and it may be seen abroad at all 
seasons of the year, and at all hours of the day, though it is most 
active towards nightfall. 
In connection with this little rodent, nothing is more re- 
