‘The Rodentia. '

137.~3. The Fox. This well-known animal is by no means scarce. Three varieties are found, the Red Fox, the Silver Grey, and the Black Fox. The first is the prevailing species, the others are much more rare. The fur is valuable, especially of the rare species. The Fox is bold and cunning in destroying poultry.

138.—4. The Otter. The aquatic habits of this animal are well—known. The Fur is much valued. The increasing occupation of the country has rendered this animal comparatively scarce. 5—8. The Marten, the Mink, the Weasel, and the Ermine, are all members of the same family with the Otter. They are much more numerous. The fur of the smaller species brings a fair price.

139.—9. The Bat. This peculiar animal, makes its appearance about houses in the summer evenings. It preys on insects. It is torpid in winter.

140.—10. The Mole. This little animal has thick fur, It burrows in the ground and lives on worms. 11. The Shrew Mouse is another very small animal sometimes seen. It comes out of its hole at night in search of prey. Its food is insects. 12. To these may be added the Hedgehog. This small animal is covered with prickles instead of hairs. When attacked it will roll itself up into a ball, presenting on all sides its sharp spines. It is also nocturnal; and preys upon insects, slugs, and even frogs and small snakes.

141 .—1. The Rabbit. Rabbits are very numerous. They change their color from brown in summer, to white in winter. Their principal food is the bark of young trees. Their flesh is palatable, but their fur is little worth.

142.—2. The Squirrel. Three species of squirrel are see, the Red Squirrel, the Striped or Ground Squirrel, and the Flying Squirrel. The last is seldom seen, as it moves about at night. The others are everywhere met. Their food is seeds and nuts; of the latter they are extremely fond. They often construct their nests in hollow trees.

143.-3. The Musk Rat. This animal is often seen near ponds and mill-dams. It builds a house for itself of mud and sticks close to the water. It eats roots, shell—fish, and various other substances. Its fur, being thin and poor, is little esteemed.

144.—4. The Field Mice. There are two species of this little animal, the Burrowing, and the Leaping Field Mouse. The first is still frequently seen in the field and woods. At one time, this animal did great destruction to the crops of the Island. It is now comparatively harmless. It burrows in the ground, and makes a fine hay. It lives on fine roots and seeds. The Leaping Field Mouse is known by its long tail, and strong hind legs, which enable it to leap with great rapidity.

It is quite likely that a fuller investigation might discover one or two other varieties of small animals. [pp. 74—76]

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