170 Ths Mammalia of Essex; a Contribution towards a
I never knew the weather so cold that I could not find a
squirrel on the move, if it were properly looked for.
Rodentia. Myoxidae.
Myoxus avellanarius. Dormouse.—The Dormouse occurs
in those parts of Essex where oaks and nuts flourish, and
where there is sufficient woodland or overgrown hedges to
protect it. It was formerly very common on the roadside
at Berechurch, but after the severe winter of 1860 the
numbers were greatly diminished. I found many nests in
the bushes with dead occupants. This creature is one of
the best examples of a hybernating quadruped in this country,
and as a rule I think the winter sleep is taken underground,
the bush nest not being used for that purpose ; at all events
in many instances I find them deserted. If the mouse is
disturbed in its bush nest, it is extraordinarily quick in its
movements amongst the boughs, making a great contrast to
the apparently stupid sluggish creature one usually sees in
confinement. The food of Dormice is very similar to that of
squirrels, but I have occasionally taken them devouring the
"sugar" I had placed on tree trunks for the purpose of
attracting moths at night.
Rodentia. Muridae.
Mus minutus. Harvest Mouse.—This very beautiful and
active little creature occurs in all parts of Essex, in the
winter time being found in corn-stacks, especially those
placed in the fields, and I think most frequently in oat-ricks.
I never discovered more than a dozen in one rick, although
others have informed me that they have been found abun-
dantly in such situations. As a pet it is very interesting,
and rarely quiet day or night. They are very peaceable all
through the winter, and any number may be kept together,
but in the spring fighting goes on until all, or nearly all, the
males are destroyed and eaten, for they are dreadful cannibals.
But on the whole I can strongly recommend them as pets;
they are sweet, not at all mousy in odour, and very amusing
in their ways. The longest time I have had them in con-