40 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX.
Genus Crossopus. Wagl.
Crossopus fodiens, Wagl. Water Shrew.
This interesting little animal occurs in all parts of the
county, in suitable localities. It usually prefers shallow
stagnant pools to quick-running streams, but is occa-
sionally found at some distance from water. There is a
small pond on Stanway Heath, at least half a mile from any
other water, where I often see these animals.
This Shrew is an expert swimmer, but seems to prefer
running about underneath the water. This it does as freely
and with as great apparent comfort as on dry land, using,
meanwhile, its long snout to turn over any substance which
may hide its prey. Its food consists chiefly of beetles, their
larva;, and other insects, as well as fresh-water crustaceans.
Sorex remifer (the Oared Shrew), formerly considered
distinct, is, according to the latest authorities, only a dark
form of Crossopus fodiens.
Order CARNIVORA.
Family MUSTELIDAE.
Genus MELES, Stow.
Meles taxus, Boddaert. Badger.
This animal, known so well to most of us by hearsay from
a previous generation, has now become scarce in the county,
where, fifty years ago, it was very common. Clearance of
woods, diminution of hedgerows, and excessive game pre-
serving have been the most effectual causes of its decrease.
The latter, as it is now practised, will, I fear, in time blot out
not only the poor Badger, but every other animal which,
whether useful or not, can be classed by ignorant gamekeepers
or their masters under the head of " vermin."
Mr. E. A. Fitch has published (Essex Nat., vol. i., p. 186)