236 
LETTERS FROM ALABAMA. 
turCj into which the owner and builder finds access ; 
but it is impossible for any one else to make 
acquaintance with the interior except by cutting it 
to pieces with an axe. This is the dwelling of the 
Yellow Rat (Mus Floridanus)^ a little sylvan crea- 
ture, quite common in this part of the State, but 
rarely seen, doubtless because its activity is prin- 
cipally nocturnal. Such nests as this are frequently 
found in the woods, almost always being built in 
the Chinquapin-tree ; but as the little creature (or 
rather, varmint) does no manner of harm, the 
people are averse to any interference with it by 
destroying its nest. It lives on nuts, berries, and 
roots; is a pretty cleanly little thing, about the 
size of our English rat, but far more prepossessing, 
clothed in soft fur of a pale yellowish grey on the 
back, buff on the sides, and white on the belly. 
There is another kind of Rat nearly as common, 
and more often seen, from its favourite resort being 
rather to the open field than to the woods. In old 
neglected pastures, and weed-covered wastes, its 
traeks or pathways may constantly be seen, and 
itself, not rarely, running through them, occasionally 
sitting upon its haunches to look round and recon- 
noitre. It is commonly known as the Wood Rat 
{Arvicola Mspidus)^ rather a Vole than a Rat; it 
is not quite so large as the Yellow Rat, and not 
nearly so pretty, being of a dull brown above, and 
grey beneath. Its food is chiefly animal, and it is 
not reputed to do any harm, except that it robs the 
cotton-fields in autumn of a few stray tufts to make 
its nest warmer. 
Just where the now dwindled stream, called 
Mush Creek, crosses the high road to Pleasant 
Hill, there are several bushes bordering the way- 
