ITS ANIMALS.
79
larded and there are no tall branches in which to take
refuge, it has sadly diminished, and is now rarely seen.
As the pollarding has now been stopped, it is to be
hoped that it will recover the position which its beauty
and pretty manners deserve. As acorns and beech-mast
abound, it will not suffer for want of its winter store.
Otter. Two of these animals were killed by the Lea near
Chingford in 1881.
Water Bats abound in the Ching, and are frequently found
in the Forest ponds.
Dormouse. This pretty little rodent is easily tamed and
made a pet of. In winter he lies in a state of profound
torpor in the middle of a mass of grass, which appears
to have been woven without a seam, and which must be
torn open to find the owner, so that it is difficult to dis-
cover how he finished the fabric after getting inside.
When found in this state he can only be awakened by
baking him in front of the fire. He derives his name
from this enviable capacity for sleep. I believe this to
be the culprit who annually gnaws the heart of the
young shoots of some of my chestnut trees, and litters
the ground with them.
Long-tailed Field Mouse. A beautiful but mischievous little
animal, who is fond of gnawing the bark of young trees
and rooting up bulbs. In the Forest he is in clover
among acorns and beech-mast.
Short-tailed Field Mouse. A larger mouse than the last
named, though he resembles him in habit, and is equally
destructive, especially to peas, beans, and crocus roots.
The Hedgehog passes most of his time in hiding, lying up in
some dry ditch or hole. He never leaves his retreat by-
day, and, being then generally covered by the leaves and
grass which adhere to his spines, he is seldom seen unless
a dog discovers him by scent. The late wanderer in the
Forest may, however, catch a glimpse of him in the
twilight, quartering the ground like a well-trained setter,
and seeking his food by the help of his nose. During
winter he hybernates in a torpid state.
Water Shrew. "This elegant little animal is aquatic in its
habits, frequenting clear fresh water ditches and brooks.
It swims and dives with great address. I have seen one
swim across a pond in the Forest."—J. L. E.
Common Shrew. Is very gregarious. '' I have seen at least
a dozen, on a fine summer evening, gamboling together
among the dead leaves when all is still. At the least
movement they hide themselves in their burrows."—
J. L. E.