2 6 BOOK OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
can you tell me, uncle,” said 
George, “how this one was 
killed ?” “ That I cannot well 
say. They are often found 
lying dead in the fields and 
lanes. The reason, perhaps, 
is, that the shrew has a very 
strong smell, like that of musk, 
which some animals of prey do 
not like ; so, perhaps, this shrew 
was killed by a cat or stoat, but 
left uneaten. Cats will chase 
any small animal that they see 
moving, but they will not eat 
shrews, I know ; for my cat 
often catches them, and brings 
them into the house ; but she 
would rather have a fish’s head 
