DOEMICE. 
Dormice are plentiful in Devon, and, in fact, in most 
of the Southern counties where there are copse-woods. 
They are dormant, or asleep, from four to five months in 
the year. Their nests are like round balls formed of sedge 
grass, twigs and moss, and are about the size of an average 
lad’s fist. They are attached to twigs and low bushes 
about 2 ft. from the ground. If during the cold weather 
a nest be torn open the occupant will appear as if dead, 
but if put into a warm place or held in the hands it will 
gradually awaken and become lively. 
During frost their house is entirely shut up, but if the 
weather be warm and plenty of sun, they resume active life. 
They are always great pets, but require care, as they are 
exceedingly delicate. Their feather-like tails are very 
pretty, and in many cases if held only slightly by it the 
whole skin will slip off, then the beauty of the little 
animal is spoilt ; the fur never grows again, and the loss 
of the tail generally ends in death. Dormice should be 
kept very warm during the winter to prevent them from 
becoming dormant. 
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