164 The Mammalia of Essex; a Contribution towards a
Sorex pygmaeus. Lesser Shrew.—There can be no doubt
of the specific distinctness of these two shrews (Sorex vulgaris
and S. pygmaeus), and the most easy character to distinguish
them is the comparative length of tail. I find them both
equally common, either as captured specimens or as dead on
the paths in autumn. The colour of the tips of the teeth is
not an important point, as it varies much with age; but I
think the hair on the lower parts of S. pygmaeus will be
generally found to be a clearer white than is the case in
S. vulgari*.
Sorex fodiens. Water Shrew.—This interesting little
animal occurs in all parts of the county in suitable localities,
usually preferring shallow stagnant waters to quickly running
streams; but it is found occasionally at some distance from
water. It is amusing to watch its hunting for food in the
half-dry marsh ditches, and I have seen it very commonly
in those about Paglesham and Wallasea Island. It is an
expert swimmer, but seems to prefer running about under-
neath the water, and this it does as freely and with as
great apparent comfort as on dry land, using its long snout
to turn over any substance which may hide its prey. Its food
consists principally of beetles, their larva3, and other insects,
as well as fresh-water Crustaceans.
Sorex remifer (the Oared Shrew), formerly considered
distinct, is only a dark specimen of 8. fodiens, according to
the latest authorities.
Carnivora. UrsidjE.
Meles taxus. The Badger.—This animal, so well known
to most of us by the accounts we have heard from persons of
a previous generation, is well-nigh extinct in this country,
where fifty years since it was very common: clearance of
woods, diminution of hedges, and excessive game preserving,
are the most effective causes of this extermination; and
game preserving, as now carried on, will, I fear, not only
blot out the poor badger, but every other animal called
vermin, by ignorant game-keepers and their masters, whether
useful or not. Within the last year two badgers have been