COMMON MOUSE. 
47 
and of a greyish cast beneath ; the hind legs are 
larger than the fore ; the ears naked and rounded ; 
and the nose rather blunt. 
This rat is said to be very numerous about Pon- 
dicherry, infesting houses in the same manner as 
the rats of Europe. It seems to have been first 
described by Mens Sonnerat, and is evidently allied 
to the bandicote rat. Both species are said to be 
occasionally eaten by the natives. 
Common mouse. 
Almost all animals are tamed more difficultly 
in proportion to the cowardice of their natures. 
The truly bold and courageous easily become 
familiar, but those that are always fearful are 
ever suspicious. The mouse being the most feeble, 
and consequently the most timid of all quadru- 
peds, except the guinea pig, is never rendered 
thoroughly familiar ; and, even though fed in a 
cage, retains a large portion of its natural appre- 
hensions. In fact, it is to these alone that it owes 
its security. No animal has more enemies, and 
few so incapable of resistance. The owl, the cat, 
the snake, the hawk, the weasel, the rat itself, des- 
troys this species by millions, and it only subsists 
by its amazing fecundity. 
The mouse brings forth at all seasons, and seve- 
ral times in a year. Its usual number is from six 
to ten. These, in less than a fortnight, are strong 
enough to run about and shift for themselves. 
They are chiefly found in farmers' yards, and 
among their corn, but are seldom in those ricks 
thatare much infested with rats. They generally 
choose the south-west side of the rick, from 
whence most rain is expected ; and from thence 
they often, of an evening, venture fofth to drink 
