72 
HABITS OF THE DORMOUSE. 
to waking up till the approach of night, that, though deprived of food for twenty 
four hours or more, it will not make its appearance till the following evening. 
Although possessing a pair of prominent sparkling eyes, its sight by candlelight is 
very imperfect, hardly distinguishing an object though held close to it. Its timidity 
is still great, every sound startling it, whilst a cough or a loud sneeze affects it 
like an electric shock. My specimen is very cleanly in its habits, and free from 
smell, an unfailing and very disagreeable appendage both to Squirrels and Mice, 
from which this little creature is exempt. It generally wakes up between nine 
and ten in the evening, and comes out to feed, from which time till midnight I 
sit and watch its pretty playful movements, and am often diverted with its busy 
manner of washing and cleaning, an act invariably performed after eating. 
Between four and five in the morning, it retires to its nest, rolls itself up into a 
ball, and there sleeps, it might be said, “ roundly and soundly.” 
Its residence is a bird-cage, and it has made the seed-glass its dormitory. Into 
this it makes its bed each morning, of the wool I provide for the purpose, and 
more or less is carried in according to the temperature of the air. 
Its favourite food is bread and milk; but it will eat indiscriminately of nuts, 
almonds, Hemp-seed and fruit. 
It fattens so rapidly now, that I expect soon the entrance will be found too 
small, in which case the little fellow may possibly find himself in very 64 narrow 
circumstances,” and be unable to get out of his glass bed-room rather before the 
time he might wish to begin his long winter nap. 
I have written rather too 44 lengthily” on my little pet—a fault I trust you 
will pardon, and correct by taking only such parts of the description as you may 
think fit for the pages of The Naturalist —if any part of the communication be 
worthy. If not, pray award it (without hesitation) the fate of the 44 thousand 
and one” bills presented to the 44 honourable Houses of Parliament,” by throwing 
it under your table. 
I had intended giving you a short statement of a white Thrush, and of a 
Hawk’s nest I took the other day ; but I find I have already filled my sheet; so 
with many apologies for again troubling you, I must for the present conclude. 
Stoke Ferry , Norfolk , 
Aug. 31, 1838. 
[[Considerable caution is necessary in inferring the universality of a habit in 
any animal from the fact of its having been noticed in a caged specimen. But 
Mr. Pigott’s notes are interesting, as pointing out the effects of captivity on the 
Dormouse. Such communications will always be well received by us.— Ed.] 
