3 28 
INSECTIVORES. 
bottom, and turning over the pebbles with their sharp noses in search of fresh¬ 
water shrimps, which appear to constitute their favourite food. In addition to 
these crustaceans, the water-shrew devours many kinds of aquatic insects or their 
larvse, while it is also probable that it likewise preys on the spawn or fry of minnows 
and other small fish. There are, moreover, several instances on record where water- 
shrews have been found feeding on the flesh of larger animals, which they have 
found dead. The swimming of the water-shrew, writes Prof. T. Bell, seems to be 
“ principally effected by the alternate action of the hinder feet, which produces an 
unequal or wriggling motion; it makes its way, however, with great velocity, and 
as it swims rather superficially, with the belly flattened, the sides, as it were, spread 
out, and the tail extended backwards as a rudder, it forms a very beautiful and 
THE WATER-SHREW (liat. size.) 
pleasing object, moving on the calm surface of a quiet brook, or diving, in an instant, 
after its food, its black velvety coat becoming beautifully silvered with the in¬ 
numerable bubbles of air that cover it when submerged; and on rising again the 
fur is observed to be perfectly dry, repelling the water as completely as the feathers 
of a water-fowl. When submerged, the ear is nearly closed by means of three little 
valves.” The burrows of the water-shrew are constructed in the banks of the 
pond or stream in which it dwells; and, if disturbed from the protection thus 
afforded, the creature plunges forthwith into the water to seek safety in what 
must be regarded as its native element. The female gives birth to the young in 
the burrow, the usual number produced in a litter varying from five to seven or 
eight. 
In addition to its darker coloration, and the structural differences already 
mentioned, the water-shrew may be distinguished at a glance from the common 
shrew by its stouter and somewhat depressed muzzle. The red stain on the teeth 
