BLARINA BREVICAUDA. 
69 
large adult male, weighed just 17 grammes. No sooner did the 
Shrew become aware of the presence of the mouse than he gave 
chase. The mouse, though much larger than the Shrew, showed no 
disposition to fight, and his superior agility enabled him, for a long 
time, easily to evade his pursuer, for at a single leap he would pass 
over the latter’s head and to a considerable distance beyond. The 
Shrew labored at great disadvantage, not only from his inability to 
keep pace with the mouse, but also, and to a still greater extent, 
from his defective eyesight. He frequently passed within two inches 
(31 mm.) of the mouse without knowing of his whereabouts. But 
he was persistent, and explored over and over again every part ol 
the box, constantly putting the mouse to flight. Indeed, it was by 
sheer perseverance that he so harassed the mouse, that the latter, 
fatigued by almost continuous exertion, and also probably weakened 
by fright, was no longer able to escape He was first caught by the 
tail ; this proved a temporary stimulant, and he bounded several 
times across the box, dragging his adversary after him. The Shrew 
did not seem in the least disconcerted at being thus harshly jerked 
about his domicil, but continued the pursuit with great determination. 
He next seized the mouse in its side, which resulted in a rough and 
tumble, the two rolling over and over and bitinor each other with 
much energy. The mouse freed himself, but was so exhausted that 
the Shrew had no difficulty in keeping alongside, and soon had him 
by the ear. The mouse rolled and kicked and scratched and bit, but 
to no avail. The Shrew was evidently much pleased and forthwith 
began to devour the ear. When he'had it about half eaten -off the 
mouse again tore himself tree ; but his inveterate little foe did not 
suffer him to escape. This time the Shrew clambered up over his 
back and was soon at work consuming- the remainder of the ear. 
o 
This being satisfactorily accomplished, he continued to push on in 
the same direction till he had cut through the skull and eaten the 
brains, together with the whole side of the head and part of the 
shoulder. This completed his first meal, which occupied not quite 
