278 
CARNIVORA, 
THE SHREW. LA MUSARAIGNE, OU MUSETTE. 
Sorea; Araneus. L. 
This little animal is very common in our fields 
and gardens, and is generally called the shrew-mouse, 
from its resemblance to the mouse in size, colour, 
and general appearance, when not examined closely 5 
but it is easily distinguished by its elongated snout. 
The external ear is very large, having within it two 
plaits, one below the other, the undermost being at 
the entrance of the meatus auditorius. The tail is not 
cylindrical, but almost quadrangular, and is nearly as 
long as the body. The shrew emits a strong scent; 
which appears to be the cause that cats, though they 
will destroy it eagerly, never eat it. It is almost 
omnivorous ; and, in addition to insects, worms, and 
flesh, will eat grain and roots. 
THE WATER SHREW. LA MUSARAIGNE d’eAU. 
Sorex Fodiens, Pallas. 
This is larger than the preceding, and measures 
nearly four inches, with a tail almost as long as the 
body. It is black above, and whitish underneath ; 
