ORDER OF RODENTIA. 
443 
it is not necessary to describe its babits, as they are so well 
known. This little animal is a troublesome guest in our houses, 
and even makes its way into movable furniture. Although it is 
timid and inoffensive, it is a cause of fright to children and weak- 
minded persons. Terror, however, gives way to curiosity when 
the Mouse belongs to the white variety, for White Mice are 
frequently made pets of. 
The Mouse does not inhabit houses exclusively ; it is likewise 
found in gardens and fields. This species is believed originally 
to be indigenous to Europe ; but it is now plentiful everywhere. 
The Dwarf or Harvest Mouse (Fig. 181) is the smallest, the 
most graceful, at the same time the prettiest of all the genus. 
Fig. 180. — Common Mouse (Mus musculus ) . 
Its size is not much more than half that of the Common Mouse. 
Its coat is tawny on the back, with a brighter shade on the 
flanks ; while the lower part of the head, the chest, and the 
belly, is white, soft, and silky. Its habits are very interesting. 
The receptacle which it constructs for the reception of its progeny 
is a marvel of architectural skill. This delicate piece of work 
bears considerable resemblance to the nests of the Tomtit. It is 
spherical in shape, and is no larger than the small balls played 
with by children. Being composed of grass and leaves artisti- 
cally interwoven, it is skilfully poised at the intersection of two 
or three straws of grain, bound together about half-way up. 
