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BRITISH MAMMALS

VOL. I -

This Edition is limited to
One Hundred and Fifty-five
copies, of which this 1s

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BRITISH MAMMALS

WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY

A. THORBURN, F.ZS.

WITH 50 PLATES IN COLOUR
AND PEN AND INK SKETCHES IN THE TEXT

IN TWO VOLUMES
VOL. I

SAWS @
LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.

39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON

FOURTH AVENUE & goth STREET, NEW YORK
BOMBAY, CALCUTTA, AND MADRAS
1920

All rights reserved

PREFACE

TuE intention in arranging this work has been to provide pictures in colour
of all those animals classed as mammals which inhabit or visit our islands.

Planned as a companion to the volumes on “‘ British Birds” and “A
Naturalist’s Sketch Book,” recently published, it gives a series of repro-
ductions from water-colour drawings of the seventy species which make up
the list, and in addition to these are shown various subspecies or closely
allied forms, among others some of the local races of mice which have
attracted the attention of naturalists during recent years.

Though lacking the brilliant colouring and wonderful singing powers of
birds, the four-footed creatures of our fields, woods, and moorlands have
each their own charm and attractiveness, from the tiny Harvest Mouse to
the wild Red Deer; and as many of them only walk by night, it is no
easy task to study their life and habits.

The list of British Mammals is short compared with the much larger
number of our native birds; this has allowed more freedom and space in the
arrangement of the pictures and enabled me to devote a whole Plate, and
occasionally two, to show to advantage some of the more interesting species.

The animals represented belong to the six following orders, namely,
twelve Cheiroptera (Bats), five Insectivora (Insect-eating mammals), fifteen
Carnivora (Flesh-eating mammals), fourteen Rodentia (Rodents or Gnawing
mammals), four Ruminantia (Ruminating mammals), and twenty Cetacea
(Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins).

It is not without regret that I have been unable to include pictures of
those fine extinct ‘ beasts of the forest,” such as the Wolf, the Wild Boar,

Giant Fallow Deer, and others, but in order to keep the volumes within a
Vv

PREFACE

reasonable size and cost, I have had to content myself with little more than
a list of the species which have vanished ; this will be found at the end of
the second volume.

In addition to the coloured Plates, which have been reproduced by the
Sun Engraving Co. Ltd., of Watford, a number of pen-and-ink sketches
have been included as tail-pieces to the letterpress.

Until the late Professor Bell published his “‘ British Quadrupeds,” including
the Cetacea, in 1837, little was known of the life history of our wild
animals, and even then the knowledge of the Bats, Seals and Whales was
comparatively meagre ; though a great deal of new and reliable information
was supplied in the last edition of that work in 1874.

Since then many notable books and treatises on the subject have been
written by various authorities, including among other names of repute those
of Sir William Flower, Mr. J. G. Millais, Major Barrett-Hamilton, Mr.
J. E. Harting, Mr. Oldfield Thomas, Richard Lydekker, Sir Harry Johnston,
R. F. Tomes, E. R. Alston, Dr. W. Eagle Clarke, Mr. T. A. Coward,
Mr. Lionel] Adams, etc.

A short description of the animals represented has been included, giving
the general distribution, colour, measurements, and some notes on the
habits of the various species, but for a full and scientific history of the
subjects, I would refer the reader to “‘ The Mammals of Great Britain and
Ireland” by J. G. Millais, “A History of British Mammals” by the late
Major Barrett-Hamilton and Martin A. C. Hinton, and Bell’s “ British
Quadrupeds,” 2nd edition, to which I owe much information.

In arranging the classification of the different species, I have followed
that of Mr. Millais, in his work already mentioned.

Ave:

Hascomse,
Gopatmine, June, 1920.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

Order CHEIROPTERA

PLATE 1

GREATER HorSE-SHOE BAT.
equinum

PAGE,

(opposite page 4)

Rhinolophus ferrum- I

Lesser Horse-sHor Bat. Rhinolophus hipposiderus 5

PLATE 2

BARBASTELLE.
LonG-BARED Bat.

Barbastella barbastellus
Plecotus auritus

(opposite page 10)
8
10

PLATE 3 (opposite page 16)

Noctute. Vesperugo noctula . 0 0 melo
PIPIsTRELLE OR Common Bat. Pipistrellus pipistrel-

lus , 0 b : c 8 o Bi

PLATE 4 (opposite page 19)

SEROTINE. Vesperugo serotinus 13

Leister’s Bat. Vesperugo Leislert 19

PLATE 5 (opposite page 25)

Dausenton’s Bat. Myotis Daubentoni . 5 0 23

NaTTeRER’s Bat. Myotis Naitereri 25

PLATE 6 (opposite page 29)

BeEcusTEIn’s Bat. Myotis Bechsteini 27

WHISKERED Bat. Myotis mystacinus 29

Order INSECTIVORA

PLATE 7 (opposite page 32)
Hepcenoc. Erinaceus europeus 31
PLATE 8 (opposite page 34)
Mote. Talpa europea 34
PLATE 9 (opposite page 38)
Common SHREW. Sorex araneus . 37
LerssER OR Picmy SHREW. Sorex minulus . - 39
WateR Surew. Neomys fodiens 42
Order CARNIVORA
PLATE 10 (opposite page 44)

Witp Cat. Felis catus .

44

PAGE

PLATE 11 (opposite page 47)
Fox. Canis vulpes . 47
PLATE 12 (opposite page 50)
Watrus. Trichechus rosmarus 50
PLATE 13 (opposite page 53)
Grey Spar. Halicharus grypus 53
PLATE 14 (opposite page 57)
Common SEat. Phoca vitulina 57
PLATE 15 (opposite page 60)
Rincep Sear. Phoca hispida 0 S » 59
HARP OR GREENLAND SEAL. Phoca granlandica . 60

PLATE 16

Erignathus barbatus
Cystophora cristala

BEARDED SEAL.
Hoopep SEAL.

PLATE 17
Orter. Lutra vulgaris

PLATE 18
Bapcer. Meles taxus

PLATE 19

Pine Marten. Mustela martes

PLATE 20

Porecat. Mustela putorius

PLATE 21
Sroar (SuMMER). Mustela erminea

Ir1sH STOAT

PLATE 22
Sroat (WINTER)

PLATE 23
WeaseL. Mustela vulgaris

PLATE 24
SouirREL. Sciurus vulgaris .

PLATE 25
Dormouse. Muscardinus avellanarius

(apposite page 62)
62

63

(opposite page 65)
65

(opposite page 68)
68

(opposite page 70)
70

(opposite page 72)
72

(opposite page 74)
. . 3

75

(opposite page 76)
74

(opposite page 78)
. , 0 MU

(opposite page 80)
. : + 79

(Frontispiece)

82

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BRITISH MAMMALS

Order CHEIROPTERA—BATS.
Famity RHINOLOPHIDZ:.
Genus Rhinolophus.

THE GREATER HORSE-SHOE BAT.
Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum (Schreber).

Pate 1.

In beginning this short description of our British Bats, it would be
well to consider first the chief distinguishing features of these animals,
by which the different species may be readily recognised.

There are now known to be twelve distinct species inhabiting the
British Islands, whilst a few others formerly on the list are now omitted,
two having been wrongly identified, and the others apparently immigrants
brought over from the Continent of Europe in vessels.

The form of the ear, with its earlet or tragus placed at the doorway of
this organ, the shape of the wings and interfemoral membrane, especially
the point of attachment of the former at the ankle or toes, and also the
number and character of the teeth, are all useful means of identification,

The Greater and Lesser Horse-shoe belong to the group of “‘leaf-nosed”
Bats, so named on account of the curious nasal appendage surrounding the
nostrils, with a lancet-shaped extension over the forehead.

These two species are the only representatives of their kind in the British
Islands, though many others showing a wonderful variety in the form of the

nose-leaf are found in various parts of the world.

1. I

BRITISH MAMMALS

In the Greater Horse-shoe Bat the expanse of wings varies in different
individuals, and the females, as in many other species, are larger than the males.

The specimen figured in the Plate obtained in the flesh from Wells,
Somersetshire, towards the end of September 1919, measured 12, inches
from tip to tip of wings, but examples occur of larger dimensions, even
up to 355 millimetres (about 14 inches), according to the late Major
Barrett-Hamilton.

The fur, usually brighter in the females, is a warm tawny grey in colour,
and paler on the under parts of the animal. A young one received in
September, and represented in the lower part of the Plate, was a soft neutral
grey in colour.

The ears are sharply pointed with an outward bend at the tips, while
a prolongation of their outer margin crosses in front of the auditory opening
in a horizontal direction and forms a conspicuous lobe called the antitragus.
The tragus, which is such a prominent feature in the ears of the
Vespertilionide or typical Bats, is absent in the Rhinolophide or Horse-
shoe Bats. The remarkable nasal appendage is formed like a horse-shoe
in the lower section, from about the centre of this, between the nostrils
arises a horn-like protuberance standing out from the face, while above, the
frontal leaf narrows to a point over the forehead. The complicated form
of this curious ornament may perhaps be best understood by referring to
the sketch forming the tailpiece. Nervous and highly sensitive, it is well
supplied with glands, and although its true function is apparently not yet
fully understood, it is probably a means of communicating to the Bat an
impression of its surroundings, independently of the eyesight. The small
and deeply set eyes are more conspicuous than in the Lesser Horse-shoe Bat.

The wings are very broad and arise from the tibia just above the ankle,
their wide expanse of membrane no doubt accounting for the ease and
buoyancy of flight in this species.

THE GREATER HORSE-SHOE BAT

The tail is usually kept in a recurved position over the back and
with its membrane does not serve as a pouch when a beetle or other large
insect is grappled, as with most other Bats. Mr. T. A. Coward, who has
devoted much time to the study of these animals, observed that the Greater
Horse-shoe on such occasions uses instead the wing membrane as a kind
of bag.

The teeth are thirty-two in number.

The Greater Horse-shoe Bat is widely distributed over the temperate
parts of Europe, is found also in North Africa, and ranges eastwards to the
Himalayas, China, and Japan. In the British Islands it is distinctly a
southern species and unknown in Scotland and Ireland.

It appears to be confined chiefly to the southern and south-western
counties in England and to certain parts of Wales. According to Major
Barrett-Hamilton (4 History of British Mammals, part v. p. 230) the most
northerly record for England is Whitchurch, near Ross, Hereford, while
more to the eastwards specimens have been taken in Berkshire, and Mr. De
Winton, as Mr. Millais states, has on several occasions seen it hawking for
food in the Zoological Gardens of London. It is fairly numerous in
Devonshire, Somersetshire, Gloucester and Hampshire, including the Isle
of Wight.

Dr. Latham was the first to discover the Greater Horse-shoe Bat in
England, when he captured one in the powder-mills at Dartford, Kent, an
account of which was first published by Pennant in the fourth edition of his
British Zoology in 1776. Kent’s Hole, Torquay, has long been known as
a resort of this species, and among other places there is a colony under the
roof of Wells Cathedral, whence I obtained the specimen for the Plate.

As a retreat, this Bat loves the darkness and obscurity of natural caverns,
underground workings in limestone, or sometimes recesses in old buildings.
Describing its flight, Mr. Millais says (Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland,

3

BRITISH MAMMALS

vol. i. p. 26-27), “It hunts for its food—moths and flying beetles, especially
the fern-chafer—at an elevation of from thirty to thirty-five feet above the
ground. In flight, when seen to advantage, this Bat exhibits more grace than
power and activity, the characteristics of the Noctule; it sails and flutters
with a delicate butterfly flight which is exceedingly attractive. Its broad
wing area is noticeable and gives the animal a larger appearance than it
actually possesses. In the open air the flight seems slow but full of grace
and buoyancy.”

With regard to its method of feeding, Barrett-Hamilton states (4 History
of British Mammals, part v. p. 244), ‘There can now, I think, be little
doubt that the Horse-shoes do not, like most other bats, consume their prey
when on the wing, but habitually alight to eat it, conveying it for this
purpose to certain favourite dining-places within the shelter of the caves.

These, even when the diners are absent, are betrayed by the débris of
wings, elytra, and other fragments, as well as by the heaps of excrement
which fall to the ground during and after a meal.”

The two species of Horse-shoe Bat show a wonderful dexterity in
alighting, when in order to perch head downwards they turn a complete
somersault.

When hibernating, they hang suspended by their feet, whilst their bodies
are almost entirely enshrouded by the wings.

A single young one is born at a time, which is carried by the mother,
attached by its teeth to her body. Two have been recorded in Germany.

THE LESSER HORSE-SHOE BAT

THE LESSER HORSE-SHOE BAT.
Rhinolophus hipposiderus, Blanford.

PLATE I.

Except in size—the expanse of wings measured 83 inches in the specimen
figured in the Plate—this Bat closely resembles the Greater Horse-shoe,
and was first discovered in England and shown to be a distinct species by
Montagu, who obtained examples in Wiltshire and later in Kent’s Hole,
Torquay. Compared with its larger relation, two Lesser Horse-shoe Bats,
kindly sent to me by Mr. T. A. Coward for illustration in this book, were
duller in the colour of the fur, the underparts being of a very pale brownish
grey, and above a slightly darker shade of the same.

In colour, the young is similar to the immature Greater Horse-shoe.

The nasal ornaments, though resembling those of the larger species, differ
in some respects, as may be seen by referring to the tail-piece sketch.

The eyes are very small and deeply set, more so than in the other, being
almost hidden in the fur. The teeth are the same in number.

The Lesser Horse-shoe Bat inhabits Europe as far north as the Baltic
territories, ranging southwards to North and East Africa and eastwards to
Kashmir.

In the British Islands it is confined to England, Wales, and Ireland,
being common in some parts of the latter country.

The only Scottish record is not now considered reliable.

Though recorded from as far north as Ripon, Yorkshire, it is not till we
come to the southern and south-western counties of England and various
localities in Wales that it becomes more general, and is often found associa-
ting with the Greater Horse-shoe in favourable situations.

5

BRITISH MAMMALS

Though found locally in some numbers, it can scarcely be called a
common species, though it has a much wider distribution than its cousin.

Among other haunts, according to Millais, it frequents Kensington
Gardens in London, and owing to the difficulty in identifying the different
species, when hawking after their prey in the dusk of evening, this Bat may
possibly be less rare than one might be led to suppose.

This frail little creature, which is said to be more delicate than any other
European Bat, seldom venturing out unless in calm weather, is difficult to
keep in confinement for more than a few days.

To Mr. T. A. Coward and Mr. C. Oldham we owe most of our know-
ledge of its ways and habits in this country.

In The Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland, p. 36-37, Mr. Millais
quotes the following account supplied to him by Mr. Coward, “In every
case the Bats were hanging: some were suspended from a smooth roof,
clinging to minute inequalities, others were at the top of holes in the caves ;
in. such positions the face of the Bat was always turned towards the nearest
wall. Both sexes hung in company ; the largest gathering consisted of ten
Bats. In one water-worn hole a male and female were together, an inch
or two apart. When first found the Bats all hung with perfectly straight
legs; their ears were partly folded back, and their faces hidden. They
noticed the light at once, and began to sway slowly from side to side ; then
they bent their long legs and drew themselves up, swinging with more vigour.
The tail in every case was recurved over the back. ...

“When alighting after a short flight the agility of the Bat was most
noticeable. Most Bats when they alight seize the object on which they are
settling with the thumbs, and then rapidly turn round and take hold with
the feet. The Horse-shoes, when an inch or so from the object, turn in
the air, taking hold at once with the feet.”

Like the Greater Horse-shoe Bat, it usually chooses as a retreat dark
6

THE LESSER HORSE-SHOE BAT

caverns of limestone formation, or recesses in old buildings, hanging with
its body almost wholly draped with the wings. Various observers have
noticed the marvellous skill with which this species avoids any obstacle
during flight. f

In Bell’s British Quadrupeds, 2nd ed. p. 98-99, the late R. F. Tomes,
describing its powers, says “It literally flew into every part of the room, and
behind and under everything, even under a bookcase standing against a wall,
although there was scarcely a space of three inches between it and the
floor. Some bookshelves in a recess especially attracted its attention, and
after examining them diligently, it flew into a vacancy occasioned by the
removal of a moderate octavo volume, and again into the open room,
without having so much as touched anything with the tips of its wings.”

Lessee MHovse. Shor
oe

= Greater Horse. Shoe
Bat

Famity VESPERTILIONIDZE.

Genus Barbastella.

THE BARBASTELLE.
Barbastella barbastellus, Schreber.

Prate 2.

In the opinion of Professor Bell (British Quadrupeds), the Barbastelle
appears to form a link between the Horse-shoe and the Long-eared Bats.
It has only one near ally, namely B. darjilingensis, inhabiting the
Himalayas.

The wings are fairly broad and measured from tip to tip when expanded
10; inches in a specimen captured by myself, but larger examples are
given by Major Barrett-Hamilton.

The ears, a distinguishing feature in this species, are rather broad and
roughly square-shaped, nearly touching each other on their inner margins
which arise from the middle of the forehead.

The tragus is large, reaching more than half-way up the ear, and has
a protuberance near the base of its outer margin. The lower leg is
comparatively long, allowing a large interfemoral membrane, whilst the
feet are small.

The fur is soft and fine, conspicuously dark, almost black in colour, but
having a hoary appearance especially on the flanks, which are tinged and
frosted with grey. The ears, face, and wing membranes are dusky black.
Millais mentions a form of a deep red-brown in colour.

The teeth are thirty-four in number.

8

THE BARBASTELLE

The Barbastelle is not uncommon in France, where it was first discovered
by Daubenton in 1759, and is also found at a considerable height among
the Swiss Alps. It ranges from as far north as southern Scandinavia, south-
wards to North Africa, whilst eastwards its habitat extends far into Asia.

Sowerby first recognised it as a British species from an example obtained
early in the nineteenth century at Dartford, Kent.

The Barbastelle is locally distributed, and apparently by no means
abundant anywhere in the British Islands, and as far as known is confined to
England and Wales. It has often been recorded in the more southern parts
of the kingdom, but north of the Wash it appears to be very rare, though
two specimens were taken in Cumberland near Carlisle.

Describing its habits Mr. Millais writes (Mammals of Great Britain and
Ireland, vol. i. p. 43): ‘‘ Certainly the two specimens which I observed
and one of which I shot at Horsham were hawking for food at 9 p.m. in
June and July ; they flew very low, and with uncertain irregular flight.
This Bat can be recognised by this fight—slow and erratic—as well as the ex-
ceeding black colour of the pelage; but if in the hand it cannot be confused
with any other species, for the ears, springing from the centre of the forehead,
are a character which distinguish it from all the other British Bats excepting the
long-eared Bat, whose abnormally long ears, however, prevent confusion.”

It was formerly thought to be more or less solitary in disposition and
habits, but later information shows that this is not the case, as many
instances have occurred showing its gregariousness and sociability. Various
situations are chosen as a retreat, including crevices in ruins, under the loose
bark of trees, or dark crannies in caves.

I have only once had an opportunity of watching the Barbastelle in life,
when at Hascombe, Surrey, in July 1902, one flew into my room one
night, and after some difficulty, as it showed great dexterity in dodging and
twisting, I succeeded in catching it.

I. 9 B

BRITISH MAMMALS

Genus Plecotus.

THE LONG-EARED BAT.
Plecotus auritus, Linnzus.

Piate 2.

This Bat may be easily identified at any time by the abnormal size of
the ears, which measure about 13 to 13 inches and are nearly as long as the
head and body combined. The tragus is large and very conspicuous
when the animal is at rest, as it then points outwards, while the ears
are folded backwards as shown in the sketch in the Plate, which was taken
from life. The expanse of wings is about ten inches.

When the little creature is hanging head-downwards and asleep in the
daytime or during hibernation, the projecting tragus may easily be mistaken
for the ear, as the latter is then entirely hidden and folded beneath the
forearm.

The eyes are fuller and more conspicuous than in our other Bats, and
according to Millais it does not seem to be so sensitive to light as some of
the other species.

The feet are large, and the rather long tail projects slightly beyond the
membrane. In the adult, the colour of the upper parts is a dull brown, the
chest and belly a pale whity-brown, these colours being darker in the
young. The teeth are thirty-six in number.

The range of the Long-eared Bat extends over a great part of Europe,
and in Asia as far east as China. It also inhabits North Africa. It is found

over the greater portion of the British Islands, being common in many

fe)

r
Long eared

Barbastelle.

THE LONG-EARED BAT

localities in England and the Lowlands of Scotland. It is rarer in the
Highlands of that country, though it has been found in many places as far
north as Sutherland and Inverness-shire.

Mr. Millais says it is common about Perth and Dunkeld, and he once
obtained one on North Uist, Outer Hebrides.

I have seen one which was picked up in my presence on the railway
line at Pitlochry.

It has also been recorded in the Isle of Man, and is abundant in
Ireland.

_ The Long-eared Bat is partial to wooded districts, where it seeks its
food of moths and other insects among the foliage and blossoms of trees,
often picking them off the leaves.

Dr. N. H. Alcock and Mr. C. Moffat, writing in the Irish Naturalist
(December rgor), thus describe its habits, “‘ To observe this Bat on the wing,
it is a good plan to wait at dusk under some tree whose foliage is not too
dense to be seen through—an ash is probably the best that can be selected —
and watch for its appearance among the branches overhead. From about
thirty to thirty-five minutes after sunset, its figure may, almost any summer
evening, be thus detected against the sky, gliding and hovering in a stealthy
manner among the outer sprays of the tree. It threads its way with a
beautiful facility among the twigs and leaves, often seeming rather to swim
than to fly, so slight is the visible movement of the wings. Poising at times
like a humming bird, it appears to be picking something from the leaves ;
at other times it suddenly plunges into the middle of a spray, and remains
for several seconds clinging to the twigs, no doubt securing or eating some
insect. It is not uncommon to see one ash tree occupied at the same time
by five or six of these Bats—though each comes and departs by itself—all
gliding in the same noiseless and lemurine fashion among the leaves, and all
to the casual bystander practically invisible. The long ears are often thrown

II

BRITISH MAMMALS

forward so as to resemble a proboscis, and may be distinctly seen if the
observer is posted immediately below the Bat.”

From observations made by various naturalists, the long-eared Bat appears
to hunt for prey throughout the whole night, when it can often be re-
cognised by its high-pitched notes.

The specimen shown in the plate was taken while hibernating under
the roof of a neighbour’s house where two others were obtained at the same
time.

They are also fond of caves as a winter resort, where as far as I have
noticed they usually hibernate apart, though other species may inhabit the
same cavern.

I have found this so when visiting Mr, Heatley Noble’s cave near Henley-
on-Thames and in another resort used by different species near Godalming.

This Bat is easily tamed, and takes more readily to confinement than others.

THE SEROTINE

Genus Vesperugo.

THE SEROTINE.
Vesperugo sevotinus, Blasius.

PLaTE 4.

This large species, which approaches and sometimes equals the Noctule
or Great Bat in size, measures in expanse of wings from about 12 to 14;
inches. The ears are broad with rounded tips, the outer margin terminating
in a lobe near the corner of the mouth.

The tragus is larger than in the Noctule and Pipistrelle and ends in a
rounded tip. The face, except for a few hairs arising from the glands, is
bare.

Compared with the Noctule, the wing is broader, the calcarial lobe very
small, and the tip of the tail projects noticeably beyond the interfemoral
membrane.

There are thirty-two teeth.

The fur on the back is a rich dark brown in colour and silky in texture,
the under parts being paler and greyer.

Of all our Bats, the Serotine appears to have the greatest geographical
range, being widely spread over Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and also
distinguished in this respect that it is the only species indigenous to both
Hemispheres,

In the British Islands it is rare except in a few favoured districts in the
southern, and especially the south-eastern, counties of England. Mr.
Millais, in his Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland, mentions Kent

13)

BRITISH MAMMALS

as the only county in which it may be said to be common, giving
Yalding as a locality where it is numerous, the other places mentioned
being Folkestone, Maidstone, Canterbury, Riverschurch, Charlton, Walder-
share, Dartford, and Wingham.

It has rarely occurred north of the Thames, two or three having been
recorded from Essex; and in The Zoologist (1892, p. 403) Mr. Coburn
mentions a specimen from the neighbourhood of Birmingham.

The Serotine was first described by Daubenton in 1759. Its manner
of flight, as described by various observers, appears to differ according
to the kind of prey in season, or the state of weather prevailing at the
time, as it seems averse to cold and damp. At times it flutters through
open spaces sheltered by trees, feeding on cockchafers and other insects,
and at others flies high aloft, frequently swooping obliquely downwards in
a sudden dive in an effort to secure some insect at a lower level than
itself.

The same characteristic dive may also often be noticed in the
Noctule.

The late Major Barrett-Hamilton, describing their flight as witnessed
at Yalding, says (4 Hlistory of British Mammals, part ili. p. 136):

“‘ They now flew higher, often at thirty or forty feet, but not, I think,
exceeding the height of tall elms or of gunshot, and often descending
near to the ground. Their flight was not unlike that of the Pipistrelle,
but their beat was wider and their pace relatively less rapid. They could
not be described as weak fliers, nor was their pace slow, but they clearly
lacked the dash and finish of the Noctule, one or two of which were
present for comparison.” He also states (p. 137), “ Despite its name,
the Serotine is an early flier, perhaps the earliest of all British Bats.”

This species evidently does not fly throughout the whole night, but
for how long does not seem to be known precisely. It is sociable in its

14.

THE SEROTINE
habits, small parties usually assembling under the roofs of houses or in
the hollows of old trees where they retreat during daylight. Hibernation
appears to last from October till April.
According to Continental observers a single young one is born at a

time.

THE PARTI-COLOURED BAT.

Vespertilio murinus, Linnzus.

This species was one of those formerly included in the British list,
but has now been removed, as the two specimens recorded, one by John
Hancock, found on board a ship in Yarmouth Roads, and the other,
taken at Plymouth by Dr. W. E. Leach, are supposed to have been

brought over in vessels from the Continent of Europe.

BRITISH MAMMALS

THE NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT.
Vesperugo noctula, Keyserling and Blasius.

PLaTeE 3.

The Noctule or Great Bat, about the largest of our British species—the
Serotine and Greater Horse-shoe alone approaching or equalling it in size—
measures in expanse of wings from 13 to 15 inches.

The forehead is broad and low, the muzzle prominent and bulbous, so
much so that the eyes are hidden in a full-face view of the head. The
nostrils are surrounded by a projecting ridge, the ears set widely apart are
broad and rounded, their outer margins extending to below the corner of the
mouth. ‘The tragus is short, broad, and rounded at the top.

The jaws strong and wide and furnished with powerful teeth, thirty-four
in number.

The wings are long, but narrower than in the Serotine and have usually
a tract of fine golden hair below the forearm.

The tail projects very little beyond the interfemoral membrane, and the
post-calcarial lobe is large.

The fur, which is very soft and silky in texture, is a fine golden brown
in colour, with little difference in the shade of the upper and lower parts.
The animal has a disagreeable musky odour.

A specimen obtained in October shortly before hibernating, and

figured in the Plate, had become very fat, in preparation for its winter

sleep.
16

THE NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT

The Noctule has a wide distribution over the temperate parts of Europe
and Asia, and also inhabits North and East Africa.

In England it is more or less common in various localities in the
southern, western, and midland counties, and also in Yorkshire, though
very rare in Durham and Northumberland.

In Wales it is plentiful.

No authentic examples had been obtained in Scotland till October 13th,
1904, when, as recorded by Mr. Millais (Mammals of Great Britain
and Ireland, Appendix iti.), one was shot at Dalguise, Perthshire, by Mr.
Charles Eversfield. Another was obtained at Duffus, Elgin, on October rst,
1909, while some more are said to have been observed near Elgin and
Lhanbryde (Aun. Scott. Nat. History, 1910, 52-53). There seems to
be no authentic record of the occurrence of this species in Ireland.

The Noctule was first detected on the Continent of Europe by
Daubenton, and described by him in 1759. Later, in 1771, it was
discovered by Gilbert White at Selborne, who obtained two examples in
the summer of that year, and gave an accurate description of the animal,
which he appropriately named vesperzi/is altivolans, from its manner of
feeding high up in the air.

Throughout the year this species is sociable in its habits, large
numbers congregating in holes in trees or under the roofs of buildings,
the latter being generally used for winter quarters, while in summer, tree-
holes are more favoured. Bell, quoting Pennant, states that the Rev. Dr.
Buckhouse saw one hundred and eighty-five taken in one night from the
eaves of Queen’s College, Cambridge, and Mr. Millais, in his Mammats
of Great Britain and Ireland (vol. i. p. 64), says: ‘‘ Near Cambridge and
at Frostendon in Suffolk, I have seen large numbers on the wing at the
same time. When residing at the latter place in 1883 and 1884 I was
much struck with the immense numbers of Noctules which lived in some

I. 17 c

BRITISH MAMMALS

old oaks in the Rev. E. Hickling’s grounds; so many as two hundred
might be seen on any fine evening in the summer flying above a small
meadow only about three acres in size.”

The winter sleep of the Noctule usually lasts from late October until
March and early April, though on occasions it has been seen abroad in
the months of November, December and February.

The flight of this Bat is swift and powerful, and on fine summer
evenings is usually maintained at a high altitude. At other times, probably
depending on the state of the weather, the flight is much lower and often
quite near the ground or over some sheet of water.

Like the Serotine, this species, when pursuing its prey, frequently
makes that sudden and characteristic plunge already referred to.

Mr. Millais has noted that Noctules often change their hunting-
ground, and that a colony may be seen one evening feeding in the
immediate neighbourhood of their home-tree, and on another hawking
over a meadow more than a mile and a half away.

A great deal has been learned of late years of the habits of this
species from the observations of Messrs. Coward, Millais, Oldham, Steele,
Elliott, and others, which shows that the evening flight only lasts about
an hour, when the Bats retire to their dens, emerging again later to
continue their hunt till shortly before dawn.

When at rest or in the act of pouching an insect the tail of the
Noctule is bent forwards under the body, when in flight it is usually
held straight out or curved a little downwards.

The food consists mainly of large flying beetles, which the Bats eat
while on the wing, nipping off the strong wing-cases with their powerful
teeth.

Mr. Oldham, describing the habits of this species (Zoo/ogist, 1901,

pp- 51-59), says: “As the light fades, the Bats descend to a lower
18

THE NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT

level, and feed at a height of from fifteen to thirty or forty feet above the

fields, pools, and open places in the woods. The crunching of their jaws

as they masticate their insect prey may then be heard distinctly.”
Wolley describes the cry of the Noctule as a “cricket-like chirp.”

LEISLER’S BAT.
Vesperugo Letslerz, Keyserling and Blasius.

PLaTeE 4.

This species, called by Bell the Hairy-armed Bat, on account of the band
of hair extending below the forearm on the under surface of the wing, is
intermediate in size between the Pipistrelle and Noctule, and measures about
12 inches in expanse of wings.

In general, the form and character of Leisler’s Bat resembles the Noctule’s,
though less lusty and robust. The feet and legs are comparatively smaller
and more slender, and the calcarial lobe also not so large. The teeth are
thirty-four in number.

On the upper parts the colour of the fur is a deep brown, the lower
greyish brown.

Mr. A. Whitaker, who has had exceptionally good opportunities of study-
ing this species alive, thus describes it in Wild Life (February 1914,
p- 79). ‘To my mind, however, the most satisfactory means of distinguishing
between these two Bats is afforded by the fur of the Noctule becoming
uniformly paler towards the base, while in the species we are considering
the reverse is the case, the hairs, especially those of the underparts,
being almost black at the roots. By rubbing up the fur of the under-
parts the wrong way, this distinction is made apparent even in a casual
inspection.”

19

BRITISH MAMMALS

This Bat was first discovered by the German naturalist Leisler and
described by Kuhl in 1819.

It inhabits Europe and Asia, where it ranges eastwards to the Himalayas.

In Great Britain, as far as at present known, its range seems very
limited.

The late R. F. Tomes, in Bell’s British Ouadrupeds (and ed. p. 27),
notes “its not unfrequent appearance at various localities in the course of
the river Avon, in the counties of Warwick, Worcester, and Gloucester.”
Besides these localities it has been recorded from Cheshire by Mr. T. A.
Coward (Zoologist, 1887, p. 169), whilst in the West Riding of Yorkshire it
appears to be plentiful near Barnsley.

In Ireland it isa common Bat in many parts of the country, where it
takes the place of the Noctule.

Mr. Whitaker, in the article already referred to in Wild Life (p. 79-80),
says ‘‘ these bats may be seen hawking for food on mild evenings throughout
the whole season, spring, summer, and autumn... .

“They fly along the low edge of the plantation and often make
digressions to a couple of large ash trees growing in an isolated position on
the boundary of my garden. Round and round these they will circle with
great persistence, snapping up moths, and doubtless other insects also, when-
ever they flutter out a few feet from the shelter of the foliage. Their flight
is stronger and more direct than that of the Pipistrelle, and usually at about
twice the altitude ; on the other hand it is not quite so high or strong as
that of the Noctule.” The earliest and latest dates on which he noticed
the Bats abroad were March 3rd and November gth.

Leisler’s Bat is a tree-haunting species, choosing for its den some cavity
in the trunk or branches, where it associates with others of its species
during the summer months, In winter, when hibernating, it is said to keep
apart from its fellows.

20

LEISLER’S BAT

From careful observations made by Mr. Moffat in Ireland, as quoted
by Major Barrett-Hamilton (4 History of British Mammals), Leisler’s Bat
does not fly throughout the night, the evening and morning flights
lasting a little more than an hour each.

The voice is sharp and high-pitched.

THE PIPISTRELLE OR COMMON BAT.
Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Schreber.

PLATE 3.

The expanse of wings in this species averages about 8 inches. The ears
are rather oval and comparatively narrower than in the Noctule and Leisler’s
Bat, the tragus barely half the length of the ear and rounded at the tip.
The feet small ; teeth thirty-four in number. The colour is usually reddish-
brown on the upper parts, a little paler below, but some examples are of a
much deeper tint, the darkest I have seen being a dull sooty black.

The Pipistrelle inhabits the temperate parts of Europe, ranging as far
as Kashmir in Asia, and also to North Africa.

It is more or less plentiful all over the British Islands, in Scotland
occurring as far north as the Orkneys and westwards to the Outer
Hebrides. Dr. Eagle Clark mentions a pair which he observed at an
altitude of 1300 feet at Corrour Lodge, Inverness-shire (Scottish Naturalist,
December 1917).

It is also plentiful in Ireland.

This species was considered by Pennant, and others who followed him,
to be identical with the common Bat of Continental naturalists, namely
the mouse-coloured Bat, Vespertilio murinus, which is a much larger animal
and not now recognized to be British, The Rev. L. Jenyns was the

21

BRITISH MAMMALS

first to dispel this confusion and show that our common Bat is the
Pipistrelle, which also occurs in Europe.

There are few parts of the country where on fine summer evenings
between “the gloaming and the mirk” this little creature, the smallest
of our Bats, may not be seen. With rapid wing-beats it flits along
country lanes or threads its way around trees or buildings in search of
various small insects, especially gnats, which form its chief food.

Like other Bats, it shows little fear of man, and will circle closely
round one’s head. The Pipistrelle usually selects some likely beat for
the evening hunt, returning to the same spot for many nights in succession.

According to Mr. Moffat (Irish Naturalist, 1905, p. 101-103) it appears
to hunt for its prey throughout the whole night, retiring to its den
shortly before sunrise.

It is fond of the neighbourhood of ponds and rivers and drinks like
other Bats by sipping the surface of the water as it flies.

The Pipistrelle awakes from its winter sleep earlier than most of its
relations, generally appearing on the wing about the middle of March if
the weather be fine, and retiring in October or November.

Though this is the general rule, it may be tempted out at almost
any time in the winter if a mild spell sets in.

Various situations are chosen as retreats, roofs of cottages, churches,
and other buildings, cavities in walls or under the bark of old trees.

In confinement, this species will readily take its food, eating flies or
meal worms with avidity, and if any prey be too large to master with
its mouth, the tail membrane is used as a pouch.

22

DAUBENTON’S BAT

Genus Myotis

DAUBENTON’S BAT
Myotes Daubentoni, Leisler.

PLATE 5.

The distinguishing features of this species, by which it may be
known at any time from Natterer’s Bat, are the shorter ears and
tragus, large feet, the projection of the two last tail vertebre beyond the
interfemoral membrane, and the tiny lobe succeeded by a notch on each
side of the latter near the tail.

It differs from the Whiskered Bat, not only in the greater size of
the feet, but also in the attachment of the wing membrane, which starts
from the ankle and not from the base of the outer toe, as in the other.

The expanse of wings in Daubenton’s Bat is about g inches,
occasionally more.

The ears are of medium size with rounded tips, and the tragus,
which is straight and pointed, measures about half their length.

The glands are conspicuous on the muzzle, which is fringed with
hairs. The teeth number thirty-eight. In colour the upper parts are a
glossy umber brown, below pale brownish-grey.

This Bat inhabits Europe and Asia from Scandinavia and Russia to
the Mediterranean countries, while eastwards it reaches Japan.

Though known to Leisler and Kuhl on the Continent of Europe,
Daubenton’s Bat was not fully identified as a British species till Bell
described it in the first edition of his British Ouadrupeds in 1837.

23

BRITISH MAMMALS

The belief that it was a rare species in the British Islands is now
known to be without foundation, as it is common, and probably always
has been, in places suited to its water-loving habits.

Gilbert White, writing to Pennant in 1767, mentions having seen
some years before that date, ‘myriads of bats” between Richmond and
Sunbury, and that “the air swarmed with them all along the Thames”;
these masses are most likely to have consisted chiefly of Daubenton’s Bats.

Another favourite haunt is Christchurch, Hampshire, where Mr.
Borrer found it in abundance in 1874, and according to Mr. Millais
“it is just as common now.”

The late R. F. Tomes in Bell’s British Quadrupeds (2nd ed. p. 62)
says, “‘ We have sometimes seen these Bats so thick on the Avon, near to
Stratford, that at certain spots there could not have been fewer than
one to every square yard,”

It is plentifully distributed throughout the greater part of England
and Wales, and is also common in various localities in Scotland, where,
according to Dr. Eagle Clarke (An. Scott. Nat. Hist. 1892, p. 266),
it has been recorded as far north as Fochabers on the Spey.

It also appears to be widely spread over Ireland.

This species has been aptly called the ‘ Water Bat,’ by Major Barrett-
Hamilton, who thus describes its habits (4 History of British Mammat,,
part ili. p. 149): “‘So peculiar are the vespertinal habits of this species,
that, although it is locally abundant, an ordinary observer may be quite
unconscious of its existence. It is essentially aquatic, if such an expression
be applicable to an animal which never enters the water. It haunts that
element continually, flying so close to it that it is difficult to distinguish
between the creature itself and its reflection.”

I had not come across this Bat in Surrey until this spring (1920),
when in February, requiring specimens for the Plate, I made several

24,

DAUBENTON’S BAT

visits to an artificial cave in the sandstone near Godalming, where I
found two hibernating. These were in small crevices among the stones
in the roof of the cavern and soon became lively when brought into
a warm room. In summer Daubenton’s Bat will often use a hollow tree
as a retreat during daylight.

From the observations of Mr. Moffat (Irish Naturalist, 1905, p. 106-
107) it appears to fly throughout the night. Its winter retirement is
said to last from the end of September ‘till April.

NATTERER’S BAT.
Myotis Nattererz, Kuhl.

Piate 5.

This species, the Reddish-grey Bat of Bell, measuring in expanse
of wings 11 inches or sometimes less, is easily distinguished from any
other British Bat by the interfemoral membrane, which is furnished
along its margin, between the end of the calcar or spur and the tail,
with a fringe of stiff hairs not unlike the teeth of a tiny comb. It is
also the lightest in colour of all our Bats.

The ears are large and comparatively long; the tragus, which is
about two-thirds the length of the ear, is narrow and pointed. There
are two prominent glands on each side of the upper part of the
muzzle, which is long, naked about the nostrils and lips but fringed with
hairs, more or less concealing the eyes. The gape is wide, the point
of the lower jaw below the lip furnished with longish hairs. The
teeth number thirty-eight. The wings, compared with those of the
other members of this genus, are long and broad, the feet small. The

fur is soft and long, the colour of the upper parts a pale brown,

I. 25 D

BRITISH MAMMALS

below greyish white. The bases of the hairs above and below are very
dark.

This species is found throughout the greater part of Europe, and
according to Barrett-Hamilton, ranges in Asia to Japan, where it is repre-
sented by a sub-species.

In England and Wales, there are few counties where it has not
occurred, being common in some localities. Across the border in Scotland
it is hardly known, the only reliable evidence of its occurrence there is
a specimen in the British Museum from Inveraray, Argyll, while a skin
in the collection of the late Robert Grey was supposed to be from
Midlothian.

There are various records for Ireland.

Natterer’s Bat is fond of well-watered woodland country and is sociable
in its habits.

The late R. F. Tomes, writing in Bell’s British Quadrupeds (and ed.
p- 55-56) describes a colony found under the church roof at Arrow, near
Alcestor ; here the Bats were clustered in a mass three or four inches
thick, six or seven wide and about four feet in length, while a constant
movement was going on, as those on the outside endeavoured to push
their way inwards, probably for warmth.

As a winter retreat, Natterer’s Bat shows a partiality for caves. Mr.
Heatley Noble tells me it is common near Henley-on-Thames, where
it hibernates in a cave in the chalk.

Near Godalming, Surrey, in the cavern already referred to in the
account of Daubenton’s Bat, I have found it on several occasions
hibernating in the vaulted roof. They were all separately lodged in deep
crevices among the stones, and sometimes entirely hidden from sight.
When disturbed, they uttered a peevish chattering squeak. Two of these,

which I kept in confinement for a few days, were very gentle in their
26

NATTERER’S BAT

habits and usually slept in their cage closely touching each other in
the darkest corner they could find.

They became very vigorous when wakened by the warmth of a room
and if let out would fly for a considerable time, showing a marvellous
skill in turning and twisting as they searched every corner in the hope
of finding an outlet. The tail, as far as I could discover, was usually held
straight out, but occasionally would be slightly curved downwards. They
showed no fear as they circled at times round my head, at others quite
low down by my feet. Although they would sometimes attempt to
bite when handled, their delicate teeth did not appear to be capable
of penetrating the skin.

Natterer’s Bat is fond of hawking for its food over pools of water
like Daubenton’s Bat, but, according to Mr. Millais, it feeds at a greater
elevation than the other. It appears to prey on gnats and similar insects,
but the only food I could persuade my captives to take was milk.

BECHSTEIN’S BAT.
Myotis Bechsteini, Leisler.

Puate 6.

This rare species, though resembling Natterer’s Bat in colour, may
always be known by the much larger ears, the comparatively shorter
tragus and the absence of the fringe of short bristles on the interfemoral
membrane.

The wings, arising from the base of the toes, measure about 11
inches from tip to tip when expanded. Mr. Millais, who was fortunate
enough to capture one alive in Mr. Heatley Noble’s cave near Henley-
on-Thames on March 1, 1901, says (Mammals of Great Britain and

27

BRITISH MAMMALS

Ireland, vol. i. p. 97-98): “It is reddish brown above, the hair being
parti-coloured, lighter at the tips and pale grey beneath, though not
quite so light as in M. Natrereri. By far the most striking feature,
and one which even a casual observer may note, is the size and
shape of the ears. They first bend outwards at an angle of 78°, and
then turn upwards to the perpendicular, ending in a rounded point.”

The teeth are thirty-eight in number. As far as is known, this
species is confined to Europe, where it ranges from Scandinavia to Italy
and Spain. It has only rarely been taken in England and was first
recorded in the New Forest, where Millard obtained a specimen, now
preserved in the British Museum, more than eighty years ago. Again
in the New Forest, Mr. E. W. A. Blagg found a party of fully a dozen
in a Woodpecker’s hole in July 1886. Of these he kept two and
later gave them to the British Museum. The next recorded was one
shot by Mr, W. C. Ruskin Butterfield near Battle, Hastings, on July
28, 1896. Next comes Mr. Millais’ specimen from Henley-on-Thames
and two more were obtained by Mr. Percy: Wadham near Newport,
Isle of Wight, on July 31st and August 14th, 1909. This completes
the list of those captured in the British Islands, as far as I know.

Little appears to be known of the habits of this fine bat. In Ger-
many it is said to inhabit holes in trees and to hibernate under the
roofs of houses. Its flight, beginning late in the evening, is stated to
be slow and at a low elevation,

Mr. Millais’ specimen was discovered in a crevice in the chalk of
the cave, in which were found at the same time several other species.
I am indebted to him for kindly lending me a photograph of this
example, taken shortly after death, from which I have been able in

the Plate to show the correct form of the ears.

28

WHISKERED BAT

WHISKERED BAT.
Myotis mystacinus, Leisler.

Prate 6.

The Whiskered Bat, scarcely larger than the Pipistrelle, measures
in expanse of wings 8; inches. The short and rather stumpy face
and muzzle, nearly black in the colour of the naked parts, are
bushy with the numerous fine hairs which conceal the eyes, while
the hairy fringe on the upper lip accounts for the name of this
species.

The dusky black ears are rounded at the tips and notched on
their outer margin. The tragus, measuring fully half the length of the
ear, ends in a blunt point. The wings arise from the base of the outer
toes, while the tail projects slightly beyond the membrane. The teeth
are thirty-eight in number.

The colour of the hair tips on the upper parts of the body is a
pale brown, on the under parts dull grey, the bases of the hairs above
and below a dusky black. I am indebted to Mr. T. A. Coward for the
specimen figured in the plate, which was taken while hibernating early
in February. This Bat was extremely dark in colour and a typical ex-
ample of the species in its winter coat.

The Whiskered Bat is widely distributed over the Continent of Europe,
from as far north as Scandinavia and Russia southwards to France and
Spain. In Asia, it reaches China, Sikkim and Nepaul, and also occurs in
North Africa.

In the British Islands the Whiskered Bat was formerly considered rare,
but this belief was no doubt owing to the lack of observation and the

29

BRITISH MAMMALS
difficulty of distinguishing this small species when on the wing from
the Pipistrelle or Common Bat.

More recently the alertness of various naturalists has shown that it is
plentiful in some localities.

In England it is numerous in various parts of the southern, western
and midland counties, and also in Yorkshire, though rare or absent in
East Anglia, Durham and Northumberland. In Wales it is not uncommon.

There are only two records of its capture in Scotland, namely, one
near Rannoch, Perthshire, in June 1874, and another at Dunbar, East
Lothian, 20th March, 1893. It is widely distributed in Ireland.

The habits of the Whiskered Bat seem to have been less closely
watched than those of most of the other species inhabiting our islands.
It has been supposed to be less sociable in its manners than others,
though R. F. Tomes (User. Hist., ‘ Worcester’) mentions a colony of
more than a hundred in the roof of his house at Littleton. It often
frequents the neighbourhood of rivers, where it has been observed seeking
its prey among the branches of trees or flitting over the surface of the
water, while it is said to have been more often noticed hawking during
daylight than other species.

30

Order INSECTIVORA—INSECT-EATING MAMMALS
Famiry ERINACEIDZ.

Genus Erinaceus.

THE HEDGEHOG.
Erinaceus euvopeus Linneus.

PLaTE 7.

The list of the British Insectivora or insect-eating mammals is
comparatively short, namely the Hedgehog, the Mole, and three species
of Shrews. The Hedgehog or Urchin, whose length from nose to root
of tail varies from about 8 to ro inches, is common in many country
districts. The armour of strong prickly spines covering the greater part
of the body is so controlled by muscular action that when required
the sharp points can project in almost every direction, while the head
and other vulnerable parts may be quickly withdrawn under their
protection. The spines, yellowish white in colour, with a dark band
towards the points, are closely set in the tough skin, and under normal
conditions, as when the animal is in movement, they follow the line
of the body and lie pointing backwards.

A covering of stiff pale-brown or whitish hairs clothes the other parts
of the body. The snout and face are dark, especially round the eyes.

The spiny coat affords such effective protection when the animal is
tightly curled into a ball that few enemies care to tackle it, though a
high-couraged terrier, in spite of severe punishment, will force an entrance,
while the Fox and Badger are also able to overcome it. It is not known

31

BRITISH MAMMALS

how the two latter animals manage to do this. Mr. Millais considers
(Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland) that they may employ the
same method as a dog he once met with, which, in attacking, worked
with the nails of the forepaws until he got one of the latter fixed
against the chest of his quarry ‘“‘while with the other he drew up the
head and forced it back. Then he gave one nip and the tragedy was over.”

The cries of a Hedgehog when attacked by a Badger are said to
be pitiful (Fre//, March 23, 1875).

Referring to the strength and elasticity of the Hedgehog’s armour,
Bell in his British Quadrupeds (1st ed. p 77) says, “I have repeatedly
seen a domesticated Hedgehog in my possession run toward the precipitous
wall of an area and without hesitation, without a moment’s pause of prepara-
tion, throw itself off, and contracting at the same instant into a ball, in which
condition it reached the ground from a height of twelve or fourteen feet :
after a few moments it would unfold itself and run off unhurt.” I have
noticed similar tactics while sketching one of these animals placed on a
table, when it would often throw itself over in order to reach the floor.

The shortness of the legs causes a characteristic creeping action
in the movements of the Hedgehog, as he makes his way hither and
thither in a somewhat stealthy manner after the beetles and other insects
which form the chief part of his food.

This animal is widely distributed over Europe from Scandinavia and Russia
to the Mediterranean Countries, and in Asia reaches eastwards as far as China.

It is plentiful throughout the greater part of the British Islands, and
though scarce in the Northern Highlands of Scotland has been recorded
by Dr. Eagle Clarke at an altitude of 1400 feet in Inverness-shire
(Scortish Naturalist, December 1917). It is common in Ireland.

The Hedgehog is more or less nocturnal in its habits, though often coming
out to feed in the open about sundown and occasionally earlier in the day.

32

THE HEDGEHOG

It takes little notice of human beings unless closely approached or touched,
when, trusting to its strong defensive covering, it makes no effort to escape.

Its food is very varied, consisting of insects of different sorts—grass-
hoppers I have found to be peculiarly attractive—worms, small mammals,
and young birds.

It is also said to prey on the viper and common snake and to
possess immunity from snake-poison.

The Hedgehog usually retreats for hibernation about the end of
November or beginning of December, though it may appear again
at intervals during the winter.

One I found asleep on December 24, 1918, was beneath a bramble
bush in a copse, where in a slight hollow in the ground it had pre-
pared a bed of leaves and grass which entirely covered the animal.

It seemed to resent disturbance, as on visiting the place some days
later I found the occupant had gone.

The Hedgehog usually breeds twice in the year, about four or five
young being born at a time. Gilbert White observed that they are quite
white at first, possess little hanging ears, and can in part draw their skin
down over their faces, though unable to contract themselves into a ball.

Famity TALPIDZE.
Genus Talpa.

THE COMMON MOLE.
Talpa europea, Linneus.

Pate 8.

Living an almost entirely underground life, the form of the Mole is
wonderfully adapted for this kind of existence, the elongated flexible
snout, cylindrical body, and great muscular power of the forearm and
hand enabling it to make its subterranean galleries with great ease and
speed,

The hands or forefeet, armed with strong claws, usually turn out-
wards from the body, but can when required bend downwards with
their palms towards the ground if used to hold a worm. ‘The hind feet,
compared with the hands, are small and weak. The eyes, extremely
minute, are hidden by the surrounding fur, and the question whether
they are used by the animal has been often raised. Yet the Mole
when above ground seems to have some glimmering of sight. One I
kept alive for a day or two when making sketches for the Plate would some-
times slightly raise its head, at the same time partly opening out the
fur concealing the eyes, these appeared as tiny black dots on the naked
skin.

No external part of the ear is visible.

The tail, measuring slightly more than an inch in length and clothed
with bristly hairs, is cocked upwards when the animal is excited. The

34

s * = i) Ps
. ” “ —
ae . 2
F | ake a
® 4 , ae" ais "7 i as
5 Z aa eS
—_ + » 4 % e J
’ hte a
ae

THE COMMON MOLE

soft and velvety coat is wonderfully adapted to prevent any soil from
lodging in the fur, which arises perpendicularly from the body and can
bend either backwards or forwards, according to the movements of the
animal in its tunnel.

The colour is a soft deep black with a silvery sheen, the under part
of the chin and belly suffused with a yellowish tinge.

Our Common Mole inhabits Europe from Sweden and Russia to the
central parts of France, while south of the Alps and in the Mediterranean
countries its place is taken by a closely allied form.

Throughout England, Wales and Scotland it is abundant in suitable
localities, and in the latter country has been recorded in the hilly districts
at an altitude of over 2000 feet as well as among the sandhills by the
sea. I have observed it on the surface of the ground routing amongst
gravel and heather by a stream high up on a Highland deer-forest, while
there are few places provided with a good supply of earthworms where
the Mole may not be found, as these supply its favourite food. The
larve of insects, small mammals, reptiles, and even the flesh of its own
kind are also eaten.

It is absent in many of the Scottish islands, including the Shetlands,
Orkneys, and Outer Hebrides, and also in the Isle of Man and Ireland.

Most people are familiar with the little earth-mounds which are raised
by the Mole when removing the earth from the tunnels as it burrows
in search of its prey.

The first systematic study of these runs and the fortress or breeding
stronghold was made by the Frenchman, Henri le Court, towards the end
of the eighteenth century, and since then many other observers, especially
Mr. Lionel Adams and Mr. W. Evans, have added much to our
knowledge. From the fortress a main underground thoroughfare passes
through the territory occupied by the Moles, whence branch many by-ways

35

BRITISH MAMMALS

used when hunting for worms. The ground occupied by the female
is said to possess no chief highways, having only runs branching in various
directions. Within the breeding stronghold or nursery is placed the
nest of leaves and grass in which the young are born, in April or May.
These are four or five in number, but may be more or less.

The Mole leads an active strenuous life, with short intervals for repose,
and being usually hungry eats enormous quantities of food. One I kept
in confinement for a short time consumed large numbers of worms, and
was so keen and ravenous that it would allow me to stroke its fur while
feeding. After a meal it would rest for a time, apparently asleep. It
seemed very sensitive to any sudden noise, and visibly started if I made
a slight squeaking note with the lips.

During a hot and dry spell of weather in summer Moles may often
be seen above ground.

36

Famity SORICIDZ.

Genus Sorex.

THE COMMON SHREW.
Sorex araneus, Linnzus.

PuaTeE 9.

The insectivorous habits, long pointed snout, diminutive eyes, and short
velvety fur, show that the Shrews are allied to the Mole and not to the
mice, to which they have some superficial resemblance.

Our Common Shrew measures in length of head and body just under
3 inches. The tail (about 1} inches) is proportionately much shorter
than that of the Lesser Shrew. The teeth, unlike those of the White-
toothed Shrew of France and Germany, are of a reddish brown colour
towards their points. The animal has a strong musky odour.

The colour of the fur on the upper parts varies a good deal in
intensity, from a pale brown or rusty brown in summer to a much
darker tint in winter. The under parts are dull greyish or yellowish
white.

The Common Shrew is widely distributed, ranging throughout a great
part of Europe and in Norway, according to Collett, is found as high
up as the snow line. It also inhabits the northern parts of Asia and
America.

This species is common in suitable localities over the whole of England
and Wales, as well as the mainland of Scotland, though unknown in the
Shetlands, Orkneys and Outer Hebrides, and also in Ireland. In the three

37

BRITISH MAMMALS

last mentioned localities where it is absent, its place is taken by the
Lesser Shrew.

Though the Common Shrew is often about during the winter months,
it is In spring, summer, and autumn that it is most frequently seen as it
dodges out and in among the grass and dead leaves on hedgerow banks
or in gardens and meadows.

During the breeding season in spring, the males often engage in battle.
A combat of this kind is described by Mr. Millais, who observed two
which were contending so fiercely that they fell headlong down a bank
while locked in a deadly embrace. The food consists chiefly of slugs,
worms, and the larve of insects, of which it consumes large quantities.

What has long been a puzzle to naturalists is the cause of the strange
mortality among Shrews, occurring chiefly in the autumn, when numbers
are found lying dead by wayside paths. Various reasons have been
suggested as the cause, but the mystery is still unsolved.

In olden days this species was for long the victim of superstition
and prejudice, various evils and misfortunes having been attributed to it,
such as the lameness of cattle as a result of the passing of a Shrew
over their feet or legs.

~The well known description by Gilbert White of how these evils
were believed to be curable by means of a Shrew-Ash may be quoted
here. ‘Now a shrew-ash is an ash whose twigs or branches, when
gently applied to the limbs of cattle, will immediately relieve the pains
which a beast suffers from the running of a shrew-mouse over the part
affected : for it is supposed that a shrew-mouse is of so baneful and
deleterious a nature, that wherever it creeps over a beast, be it horse,
cow, or sheep, the suffering animal is afflicted with cruel anguish and
threatened with the loss of the use of the limb. Against this accident,
to which they were continually liable, our provident forefathers always

38

Conum

THE COMMON SHREW

kept a shrew-ash at hand, which when once medicated, would maintain
its virtue for ever. A shrew-ash was made thus :—Into the body of
the tree a deep hole was bored with an augur, and a poor devoted
shrew-mouse was thrust in alive, and plugged in, no doubt with several
quaint incantations long since forgotten.”

According to Bell, from five to seven young ones are born at a time
about the middle of April. These are reared in a nest of grass or dead
leaves in a hollow of the ground protected by herbage or similar cover.
On the other hand I have seen a nest, consisting of dead oak leaves
and containing young as late as November 19th. This was found in a

collection of old faggots in my garden.

THE LESSER OR PIGMY SHREW.
Sorex minutus, Linnzus.

PLaTE 9.

To the Rev. L. Jenyns is due the credit of having first pointed out
that the Lesser Shrew differed from the larger species, describing it
under the name of Sorex rusticus.

This tiny creature, the least of our British Mammals, measures barely
2 inches from snout to root of tail, the length of the tail, without the
terminal hairs being about 13 inches. Apart from the smaller and more
delicately formed body and feet and more elongated snout, the long
thickly haired tail is a sure means of distinguishing this species from the
Common Shrew.

The colour of the upper parts is a pale brown, paler I think than
in the larger species, and in the living specimen which served as a model

39

BRITISH MAMMALS

for the figure in the plate, the soft velvety fur of the body had a
beautiful silvery gloss. The underparts are dull white.

The Lesser Shrew ranges from the British Islands through the greater
part of Europe and over northern Asia, where it has been found ‘within
the Arctic circle (Dobson). Eastwards it reaches the Pacific, while
closely allied forms represent it in America.

In the British Islands it is probably much more plentiful than would
appear from the casual notices of its appearance, as its presence in any
locality may easily pass unnoticed.

In the neighbourhood of Hascombe, Surrey, I have come across it as
often, perhaps more often, than the Common Shrew, but in general it
seems to be more sparsely distributed in England than the other.

The Lesser Shrew is common in many parts of Scotland and has even
been recorded from the top of Ben Nevis, where a cat at the obser-
vatory brought home a specimen.

It is known on many of the Western Islands, being plentiful in the
Outer Hebrides and has been recorded in the Orkneys, but not in the
Shetlands. This shrew is abundant in Ireland where it is the only
species.

In habits it resembles the Common Shrew, inhabiting hedgerow banks
and meadows. It is apparently active in the winter, as I have more
than once caught it in traps set to catch mice in an apple loft under
the roof of my house.

Though hardy as regards severe cold under natural conditions the
constitution of this little animal is yet extremely frail and sensitive to
any kind of shock or untoward circumstances, even a few minutes
detention in a trap being fatal, according to information supplied to
Barrett Hamilton by Mr. A. H. Cocks (4 History of British Mammals,
part ix. p. 121.)

40

THE LESSER OR PIGMY SHREW

Its hold on life is so slight that it soon dies in confinement, even
when caught by hand and uninjured.

One brought to me by a man working in my garden at first appeared
quite lively and readily took the flies I provided while making the
sketches for the figure in the Plate, but soon a gradual change began
and it was dead in a few hours.

When feeding the long flexible snout was bent in almost any direc-
tion, while the fore feet were not used to hold the flies when eating,
entirely different from the action of a mouse in similar circumstances.

At times the Lesser Shrew seems quite indifferent to the presence
of human beings. I once observed one among some grass on a lawn
which allowed me to approach so closely and seemed so tame that I
caught some flies which it at once devoured, and becoming still more
familiar it moved on to the palm of my hand and allowed me to lift
it from the ground.

This is the only instance I have met with of such unusual tameness
in a wild animal, but Mr. Millais mentions a somewhat similar case
when a Water Vole allowed itself to be stroked (Mammals of Great
Britain and Ireland, appendix). The nest and number of young are

much the same as those of the Common Shrew.

BRITISH MAMMALS

Genus Neomys.

THE WATER SHREW.
Neomys fodiens, Pallas.

PLaTE 9.

This beautiful species is the largest of our Shrews, measuring in length
of head and body from about 3 to 3} inches, with a tail measurement
of about 2 inches.

The colour of the upper parts is usually a deep black with a slaty gloss,
while the under parts are normally white, though sometimes darker, with a
trusty tinge. The orifice of the ear is ‘‘ feathered” with white hairs, and
also the under surface of the tail. A darker form of this species often
occurs with the whole body above and below more or less dusky, which
was at one time considered distinct, and described and figured by Bell as
the Oared Shrew (Sorex remifer).

Like the other British species, the Water Shrew has its teeth tipped
with rust colour.

The form of this animal is well adapted to its aquatic habits, the toes
as well as the tail being fringed with hairs which are of use when swim-
ming and diving. Compared with its allies the snout of the Water Shrew
is thicker and more powerful.

The Water Shrew has a wide range in Europe, from as far north as
Russia to Spain and Italy, while eastwards in Asia it reaches the Altai
Mountains. In Great Britain it is well distributed over England, Wales,
and the mainland of Scotland, but unknown in Ireland.

42

THE WATER SHREW

As its name implies, the Water Shrew favours the neighbourhood of
streams, where it is usually found about the margins of the quieter and
more sluggish waters, or seen swimming in their clear pools. It is not
however afraid of rapid waters, for I have seen it in quite a swift run-
ning stream in Norway, as it swam with its body silvered with air bubbles
just under the surface.

The following account of its habits has been given by J. F. M.
Dovaston in Loudon’s Mag., War. Hist. ti. 219: ‘“‘It dived and swam
with great agility and freedom, repeatedly gliding from the bank under
water, and disappearing under the mass of leaves at the bottom, doubt-
less in search of its insect food. It very shortly returned and entered
the bank, occasionally putting its long sharp nose out of the water, and
paddling close to the edge. This it repeated at frequent intervals from
place to place, seldom going more than two yards from the side, and
always returning in about halfa minute. Sometimes it would run a little
on the surface, and sometimes timidly and hastily come ashore, but with
the greatest caution, and instantly plunge in again.”

The prey of the Water Shrew is very various, consisting of aquatic
insects and their larve, worms, molluscs, frogs and small fishes, while
sometimes the flesh of dead mammals is eaten.

The young, which are said to vary in number from five to eight, are
provided with a nest of moss and herbage, placed under the surface of

the ground.

43

Order CARNIVORA—FLESH-EATING MAMMALS

Famity FELIDZE.

Genus Felis.

THE WILD CAT.
Felis catus, Linneus.

PiarteE 10.

Fierce and bloodthirsty in disposition and possessed of great strength
and activity, this typical beast of prey is perfectly adapted by nature
for a life of rapine.

The male, as a rule larger than the female, measures in length of head
and body about 2 feet, with the addition of another 12 or 14 inches
as the length of the tail. Millais mentions an exceptionally fine specimen
killed at Kinloch Moidart, Ross-shire, in October 1899, which measured
3 feet 10 inches from the nose to the tip of tail.

Compared with the domestic cat, which it often resembles in colour
and markings, the true Wild Cat is much more muscular and robust,
and possesses a bushy unpointed tail.

The ground colour of the long thick fur of the Wild Cat is in general a
tawny or russet grey, beautifully banded and marked with black, the tail
barred with the same colour, and the soles of the feet also black.
Parts of the chest and belly usually white. The markings on the female
are said to be less distinct.

44

ay, ~ Sek

ee.

THE WILD CAT

This species inhabits wild wooded districts in most of the European
countries,

In England it has long been extinct, and the same may be said of
Wales, but in the more remote deer-forests of the Highlands of Scot-
land it still exists, chiefly in Argyllshire, the north-western parts of
Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, and the Reay Forest, Sutherland.

The Wild Cat still holds its own or did quite recently in the wilds
of Knoydart on the west coast, where it has a typical fastness in the
forest sanctuary, a rough rocky hill clothed with birches and old rowans,
whence in the winter months it sallies forth to prey on rabbits or
game in the home plantations. The true Wild Cat has never inhabited
Ireland.

Mr. Millais, in his Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland (vol. i.
p. 176) has graphically described its methods of attack as follows:
“Emerging at dawn and before sunset, this stealthy animal creeps in
and out of the forest growth and rocks looking for its prey. When
the victim is discovered it is carefully stalked by sight alone until closely
approached, when the Cat rushes in with a series of immense forward
bounds, So swift is this final attack that four-footed game finds it
impossible to escape, even if its terror-paralysed nerves did not benumb
its muscles.”

Charles St. John, who was well acquainted with this animal, says
(Wild Sports and Natural History of the Highlands, 8th ed. pp.
44-45): ‘Inhabiting the most lonely and inaccessible ranges of rock
and mountain, the wild cat is seldom seen during the daytime; at
night (like its domestic relative) he prowls far and wide, walking with
the same deliberate step, making the same regular and even track,
and hunting its game in the same tiger-like manner ; and yet the difference
in the two animals is perfectly clear.... In the hanging birchwoods that

45

BRITISH MAMMALS
border some of the Highland streams and lochs, the wild cat is still not
uncommon, and I have heard their wild and unearthly cry echo far in the

quiet night as they answer and call to each other.”
According to Millais two to five young are born at a time, usually

in May.

46

THE FOX

Genus Vulpes.

THE FOX.
Canis vulpes, Linnzeus.

PrateE It.

The Fox varies considerably in size, from the Lowland race measur-
ing in length of head and body about 2 feet 3 inches with a tail of
about 1 foot, to the much larger animal inhabiting the hills of Scotland,
which may measure in total length from nose to tip of tail as much as
5 feet or more, and is also greyer in colour. This is in general a
combination of reddish tawny-grey and rust colour on the upper parts,
and white, or sometimes dusky-grey below. Upper surface of the ears
black towards the tips, with longish white hairs inside the orifice. The
feet black above, brown underneath. The white tip to the tail or brush
is said to be more conspicuous in the dog Fox than in the Vixen,
but individuals of both sexes are occasionally without it. The strong
unpleasant odour of the Fox is caused by a fetid secretion in the sub-
caudal gland, this “foxey” effluvium being intensified when the animal
is excited.

Foxes, the same or only slightly differing in colour from our British
race, are found throughout Europe, while other species inhabit Asia,
Africa, and North America, those in the latter country being very closely
related to our Common. Fox.

The latter is plentiful all over the mainland of Great Britain and
Ireland. It is by far the most intelligent and cunning of all our beasts

47

BRITISH MAMMALS

of chase, and endless tales have been told of the wiles and subterfuges
employed to escape its enemies or circumvent its prey, from the days of
sop to our own times. Except in the breeding season the Fox is
unsocial and lives apart from his kind, usually occupying an earth or
burrow made by some other animal, those dug by the Badger being often
taken possession of, or even shared with the owner.

Foxes pair in the winter months, when the weird harsh cry of the
vixen may often be heard at night as she calls to her mate, while the
latter reveals his presence by two or three sharp little barks. The cubs,
up to seven in number, are born about the end of March, and when
old enough will come out to play and scamper around the entrance of
their home, when their antics are most entertaining to watch. The
sketch forming the tail-piece shows them thus employed, and was taken
from life near Godalming.

As is often the case, I was told that the vixen never interfered with
some fowls living close at hand, but would always forage for food at a
distance. She was no doubt wise enough to know that her young might
be endangered if depredations occurred near home.

Various are the ruses employed by the Fox when hunting his prey.
Charles St. John, in Narural History and Sport in the Highlands (8th ed.
Pp. 195-196), describes how at daybreak he once watched one planning
an attack on some hares feeding in the open, first preparing an ambush
by scraping a hollow in the ground where he knew by instinct
his quarry would pass when leaving the field after sunrise. As soon as
a hare came sufficiently near his post, Reynard by a sudden rush
seized and killed her immediately.

At times the Fox employs entirely different tactics, and will apparently
make use of the curiosity or liability to fascination in the nature of any
bird or other animal he may wish to circumvent.

48

THE FOX

As an instance of this, while walking some years ago along a Hamp-
shire lane in June, my attention was attracted by the unusual crowing
of a cock Pheasant among some tall grass in a meadow on the other
side of the hedge. On making my way through a gap I saw a Fox
some thirty yards away from the bird, circling around his prey yet
without appearing to notice it. The Pheasant, although quite aware of
his enemy’s presence, was making no attempt to escape, and I think the
Fox was trying to approach near enough for a sudden spring, when

they both saw me and each made off.

Sub-Order PINNIPEDIA—WALRUS AND SEALS.
Famiy TRICHECHIDZ.

Genus Trichechus.

THE WALRUS.
Trichechus rosmarus (Linnzus).

Prate 12.

The Walrus or Morse—the first-mentioned name being derived from
the Scandinavian Hvalros (“‘ Whale-horse”), the latter from the Russian
Morss (‘‘Sea-horse”), inhabits the Polar seas and has only rarely been
seen or captured in British waters.

The adult Walrus usually measures about 10 or 11 feet in length,
but old males often exceed this and will even reach 15 feet in length.

This animal is remarkable for the great bulk and weight of its body
and corresponding strength, and will weigh up to 3000 lbs. (Millais).

The long curved tusks, possessed by both sexes, are used as weapons of
defence, and are also necessary to the animal when grubbing up molluscs
among rocks and shingle while feeding under water. They are also said
by some authors to be a help in climbing ice or rocks. The muzzle
is furnished with a thick moustache of bristles, the skin on the face is
wrinkled with seams and furrows and on the shoulders forms massive folds.

The colour of the Walrus is in general a pale yellowish brown,
becoming deeper and redder on the underparts, but the hair on the
older animals often wears away or disappears, leaving bare the leathery
surface of the skin.

50

THE WALRUS

This animal inhabits the northern circumpolar seas of both the Old
and New Worlds, but is now much more restricted in its range than
formerly. In North America it is still occasionally found as far south
as the coast of Labrador, where once it was numerous, while in Europe
it reaches the coast of Finmark.

Large herds used to frequent the seas around Spitzbergen, which
are now deserted or where they only appear in small numbers. Though
mentioned long ago as a visitor to the Scottish coast, the first reliable
record was of one killed in the Outer Hebrides at Caolas Stocknis,
Harris, in December 1817. This specimen, measuring some ten feet
in length, was seen and described by MacGillivray.

According to Dr. Edmonston one was killed in the Shetlands in 1815,
and another was obtained on Edday, Orkneys, in June 1825, while
the last appears to have been killed by Capt. MacDonald, R.N., on the
East Haskeir, near Harris, in April 1841. There is also good evidence
showing that others have been seen at various times in British waters.

The Walrus makes his home among the ice-floes surrounding the frozen
lands of the far north, where they herd in large colonies and pass their
time, when not in the water, in sleeping or sunning themselves on the ice.

Dr. Kane, in his Arctic Exploration (pp. 243-246), thus describes the
animal and its habits: ‘‘The specimens in the museums of collectors
are imperfect, on account of the drying of the skin of the face against the
skull. The head of the Walrus has not the characteristic oval of the seal ;
on the contrary, the frontal bone is so covered as to present a steep
descent to the eyes and a square, blocked-out aspect to the upper
face. The muzzle is less protruding than the seal’s, and the cheeks and
lips are completely masked by the heavy quill-like bristles.

“‘ Add to this the tusks as a garniture to the lower face, and you
have for the Walrus a grim ferocious aspect peculiarly his own. I

$1

BRITISH MAMMALS

have seen him with tusks nearly 30 inches long; his body not less
than 18 feet. When of this size he certainly reminds you of the
elephant more than any other living creature... . The instinct of
attack which characterises the Walrus is interesting to the naturalist, as
it is characteristic also of the land animals, the pachyderms, with which
he is classed. When wounded he rises high out of the water, plunges
heavily against the ice, and strives to raise himself with his fore-flippers upon
its surface. As it breaks under his weight, his countenance assumes a
still more vindictive expression, his bark changes to a roar, and the
foam pours out of his jaws till it froths his beard. Even when not
excited he manages his tusks bravely. They are so strong that he uses
them to grapple the rocks with, and climbs steeps of ice and land
which would be inaccessible to him without their aid. He ascends in
this way rocky islands that are sixty and a hundred feet above the level
of the sea; and I have myself seen him in these elevated positions
basking with his young in the cool sunshine of August and September.”

The same author describes their voice as ‘‘something between the
mooing of a cow and the deepest baying of a mastiff, very round and
full, with its bark or detached notes repeated rather quickly seven or
nine times in succession.”

Around the breathing holes, which are made among much thicker ice
than those of the seals, he observed numbers of broken clam-shells, and,
in one instance some gravel, mingled with about half a peck of the
coarse shingle of the beach.

The natural increase of this species is slow, as only a single young
one is born at a time, which according to Bell is suckled by the mother
for nearly two years, so that a period of three or four seasons ensues
between birth of the calves. By the time they are weaned their tusks have
grown several inches in length, enabling them to forage for themselves.

52

Famity PHOCIDZ.

Genus Halichoerus

THE GREY SEAL.
Halicherus grypus, Fabricius.

PLaTE 13.

Until quite recent years little was known of the habits and pelage
of this fine species, which was often confused with the large Bearded Seal
of the Arctic seas, Erignathus barbatus, and we owe much to Mr. Millais
for the full and accurate account of its life history, which, after years of
observation around our coasts, he has given in his Mammals of Great
Britain and Ireland, vol. i. pp. 252-298. According to this authority
“four distinct types are found, as well as every intermediate form between
them, that is to say, specimens may occur which are composite of two,
three or even four types.” These types are described as follows: 1. The
Black Male; 2. The Light Grey Male; 3. The Blotched Male; 4. The
Grey Spotted Male, -

The first and last mentioned are shown on the upper and lower
part of Plate 13, with one of the intermediate forms between the
two.

Around the throats of the adult males, and best seen in autumn when
their coats are in good order, are several ridges of dark hair, forming
bands which look like tarry ropes.

The colour of the female runs into two types, either light grey above
and white below with some dark spots on the throat, shoulders and

53

BRITISH MAMMALS
fore-flippers, or a dark form, chiefly composed of shades of grey, blotched
and spotted with black.

A characteristic feature in nearly every example of the Grey Seal,
as Mr. Millais points out, is the pale grey colour of the crown of the
head, which occurs in every type.

When born the young are at first pure white, and pass through
various stages of colour till they gradually assume the adult coat.

The average length of the Grey Seal is about 8 feet, but some
reach g or g: feet, measured from nose to end of tail.

The female measures 6 feet or thereabouts in length. The head is
flatter, proportionately much longer and more like that of a dog than in
the Common Seal, while the animal is not nearly as tameable and intelli-
gent as the latter; the countenance, especially in the old males, suggesting
a savage and morose disposition. On the other hand, Dr. Edmonston
found a young one of this species extremely gentle and affectionate.

The Grey Seal inhabits the North Atlantic, but is only sparsely
distributed on the American coasts and apparently does not go farther
south than Nova Scotia.

It is more abundant along the northern coasts of Europe, yet does
not appear to penetrate far northwards, chiefly frequenting the shores
of the North Sea, Baltic, and Gulf of Bothnia.

It is found in Iceland, the Faroes, Scandinavia and Northern Germany
and along the coasts of the British Islands.

In England it is rather rare, but a fair-sized colony inhabits the
Scilly Islands, a few still exist in the Farnes, Northumberland, and from
time to time it appears on other parts of our shores, as in Wales, where
some are found on the coast of Pembrokeshire.

In Scotland it is much more common, especially on the north-western
coast and islands, the Hebrides, Orkneys, and Shetlands.

54

THE GREY SEAL

This species is also plentiful in Ireland, where it haunts the sea-caves
on many parts of the coast, chiefly along the western side.

The Grey Seal is most at home among the rough and troubled
waters of our outlying islands where the sea is seldom still. There he
can bask undisturbed on the shelving rocks or retire into the fastness of
some cavern under water.

The tailpiece sketch represents a typical haunt of this Seal, and was
done from sketches taken a few years ago on Rosvean, Scilly, by means
of a field-glass, through the kindness of the late Mr. Dorrien-Smith.
This Seal-haunted rock lies far out to sea, fully exposed to the Atlantic
rollers and is difficult to approach except in calm weather. On peeping
over the high boulder-like rocks near the favourite landing-place of the
animals I had three or four in full view, lying basking in the sunshine,
but always watchful and ready to slip under water at the least suspicion
of danger. When ashore taking their ease they appreciate a slight
hollow in the rock and will often turn over and change their position
to ensure more comfort. On the island of Handa, Sutherland, I have
watched for an hour or more a party of these large Seals resting on an
isolated rock below the cliffs where the Fulmar Petrels and Guillemots
breed. This was in the month of May when small parties will bask
peaceably in company, but in the breeding season, later on in October,
the big males fight fiercely and are generally much scarred as a result
of these combats. Sometimes a male will occupy a sea-cave with a
single female, but they are just as often polygamous. When born,
the young are left on shore by the mother, who returns regularly to
suckle them for the first few weeks till they take to the water.

Few animals are more difficult to obtain than the Grey Seal, owing
to the stormy seas with treacherous currents where he makes his
home.

55

BRITISH MAMMALS

Unless successfully stalked and killed instantaneously while taking his
siesta near the water's edge, he is seldom secured. As a rule it is
useless to shoot them while on the surface of the sea, as they sink
almost immediately, andswhen this happens in deep water they are lost.

A successful method of capturing this seal, which now seems to be
seldom practised, was to fix a strong net under water at the entrance of
the caverns frequented by the animals, when they were often caught in
the toils as they tried to escape seawards.

ti
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Wy ij

Yj, LN

Wy

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56

Sus-Famity PHOCINZE.

Genus Phoca.

THE COMMON SEAL.
Phoca vitulina, Linneus.

PiateE 14.

Considerably smaller than the preceding species, the adult male of
the Common Seal measures from nose to end of tail from 4 to 53 feet,
or sometimes more, especially specimens from the Orkneys and Shetlands.

As shown by Mr. Millais (Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland)
there is a good deal of variation in the colour of this animal, which
apart from the seasonal changes of pelage, shows two distinct types,
one light and the other dark, according to the closeness to each other
of the dark spots and markings on the lighter ground-colour of the coat.

Between these two types intermediate forms occur. The chief
figure in Plate 14 gives the lighter form in winter coat, which in August
changes to a more or less plain sandy colour with only some faint
markings remaining. The other and darker figures are from a younger
example in the gardens of the Zoological Society of Scotland in summer.

The Common Seal is found on the coasts of the North Atlantic
as well as those of the North Pacific, ranging northwards along the
shores of Greenland as far as or beyond Davis Straits. It is said to
frequent Spitzbergen, and also visits Iceland and the Faroes, while it is
common on the coasts of northern Europe, and occasionally comes as

far south as the Mediterranean.
i 57

BRITISH MAMMALS

In England this Seal is thinly distributed on the western side and
scarcely known among the Scilly Islands, where the Grey Seal is
not uncommon. On the east coast, some haunt the neighbourhood of
the Farnes, and visit the shores of Durham, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire,
but are rare south of the Wash. In days gone by they were numerous
about the sand-banks at the mouth of the Tees.

Where salmon rivers enter the sea on the east coast of Scotland the
Common Seal may be seen in large numbers during the summer months,
but the chief haunts of this animal in the north are the Hebrides,
Orkneys, and Shetlands, where it is abundant. According to Mr. Millais,
in the work already quoted (vol. i. p. 310), “‘the majority of those
frequenting the east coast of Scotland are migratory, while those on
the west are, except for local movements, stationary.”

Early in June the female gives birth to a single young one, which,
unlike the pup of the Grey Seal, takes to the water almost immediately.
In the opinion of Mr. Millais the first white woolly coat of the baby
Common Seal must be shed before birth, as there is no evidence of any
ever having been observed in the water except in their second pelage.

The Common Seal, owing to the constant persecution it receives,
becomes extremely wary as it gains experience, and the old male before
lying up on shore for a siesta will always first carefully survey his
surroundings.

One curious side of his character has been referred to by Mr. Millais,
who says (vol. i. p. 317): “The look-out is often the Seal that has
most recently emerged from the ocean and is still wet. From this we
may deduce a certain subtle reasoning and recognition of its own limi-
tations on the part of the animal, for only during the short time after
coming from the sea is the Seal keenly alive to the possibilities of
impending danger. As his coat dries he becomes too sleepy to trouble

58

THE COMMON SEAL

about extraneous matters, so his place must be taken by another that
is more awake and fresher from the sea.”

Graceful and swift in his natural element the Seal is awkward when
ashore, though capable of jerking his body forward at some speed if
alarmed and making for the water. Seals are naturally inquisitive and
attracted by any unusual sound, and are even credited with a love of

music.

THE RINGED SEAL.
Phoca hispida, Schreber.

Prate 1s.

This small Arctic Seal, the ‘‘Floe-rat” of the Seal hunters, usually
measures about 4: feet from nose to tip of tail.

The colour of the adult is dusky grey or brown above, eunouly
marked with rings and irregular figures of yellowish white, the centres
of which are dark, the space round the eyes is dusky, the under parts
buffish white.

The Ringed Seal penetrates far north among the ice of the circumpolar
regions and has been obtained up to or beyond lat. 82°. It is common
on the coasts of Greenland, Spitzbergen, Nova Zembla, North Iceland,
and Northern Europe, while occasional stragglers reach the British coasts.

The first recorded specimen occurred on the Norfolk coast in 1846;
this was purchased in the fish market of Norwich by Mr. J. H. Gurney
and later identified by Professor Flower. Mr. Millais mentions two
other examples, one killed at Collieston, Aberdeenshire, in August 1897,
and a second taken in the salmon nets in Aberdeen Bay during the
summer of 1901.

59

BRITISH MAMMALS

The Ringed Seal—the zezs/k of the Esquimaux hunters—forms the
chief food supply of these people, as it does not leave the ice in winter.
Dr. Kane (Arctic Explorations, pp. 153-154) says “the seal are shot
lying by their at/vk or breathing holes. As the season draws near
midsummer they are more approachable: their eyes being so congested
by the glare of the sun that they are sometimes nearly blind.... Each
seal yields a liberal supply of oil, the average thus far being five gallons
each... . The netsik will not perforate ice more than one season’s
growth, and are looked for therefore where there was open water the
previous year.”

They pass much of their time on the ice near their breathing holes,
ready to slip under water on the least alarm.

The old males have a strong offensive odour, which is said to be
imparted to the Esquimaux when they eat these animals.

THE HARP OR GREENLAND SEAL.
Phoca grenlandica, Fabricius.

PLaTE 15.

This strikingly marked species, of which an adult male is shown in
the Plate, measures from 5 to 6 feet in length.

The predominant colour is a yellowish white, with two irregular bands
of deep purplish brown or black along the flanks, which meet on the
shoulders.

The muzzle, face, and sides of the head are also of the same dark
colour.

The females are less distinctly marked, and are often grey on the

upper parts, with some dark spots.
60

THE HARP OR GREENLAND SEAL

The young, at first white, gradually acquire the adult pelage, which,
according to Mr. Millais, is not attained till the fifth year.

The Harp Seal inhabits the North Pacific and North Atlantic, and
in spring is very abundant on the ice-fields north-east of Newfoundland,
where they breed in large herds and afterwards move north to spend the
summer in Greenland.

They are also found about the west coast of Greenland in autumn,
and in summer are common among the floating ice around Spitzbergen
and Jan Mayen.

This Seal sometimes visits the British coasts in summer, the first having
been identified in 1836, when two were obtained in the Severn. Several
more have been recorded from time to time, including a fine adult male,
now in the Perth Museum, which was shot by Mr. Kennedy while out
punt-shooting in Invergowrie Bay, Carse o’ Gowrie, Perthshire.

A good many other examples of the Harp Seal have been seen about
the Scottish coasts and islands, while it is unlikely that any mistake could
be made in identifying the species, because the clearly defined markings
of the adult male may readily be recognised at a distance.

In habits the Harp Seal is migratory and gregarious. Incredible
numbers collect at certain seasons among the ice floes and are killed in
thousands by professional seal hunters. The young are born on the ice
in March, and when strong enough follow their parents in their migratory
movements. In spite of the havoc caused by the sealers the Harp Seal
is apparently as numerous as ever, according to information supplied to
Mr. Millais in Newfoundland. The food consists chiefly of cod and other
fish.

61

BRITISH MAMMALS

Genus Erignathus, Gill.

THE BEARDED SEAL.
Erignathus barbatus, Fabricius.

Piate 16.

The Bearded Seal is another Arctic species which attains a large size,
the adult males sometimes measuring 12 feet in length.

Dr. Kane (Arctic Exploration, p. 154) says, “‘I have measured these
ten feet in length, and eight in circumference, of such unwieldy bulk as
not unfrequently to be mistaken for the walrus.” Adult specimens of this
seal are rarely to be seen in British collections, the only one I have been
able to find being in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh.

The coat of this example which I have figured in the Plate is of a
yellowish drab-colour without spots or markings, while the flattened bristles
on the muzzle, which have given the animal its name, are dull white. The
head is small and round, the fore-flippers furnished with strong curved claws.

It inhabits the northern Polar Seas of both the Old and New Worlds,
going far north and being well distributed from the coasts of Labrador
and Greenland to Spitzbergen and the northern parts of Scandinavia.
This species also frequents the North Pacific.

The Bearded Seal has only once been known with certainty to have
reached the British Islands, when a young male was taken off the
Norfolk coast in February 1892.

From Dr. Kane we learn that this species, unlike the Ringed Seal,
makes no a@f/uk or breathing hole in the ice, but depends on accidental
fissures where bergs or floes have been in motion. The skin is much

prized by the Esquimaux for making harpoon lines for Walrus hunting.
62

Sus-Famiry CYSTOPHORINZ.
Genus Cystophora.

THE HOODED SEAL
Cystophora cristata, Erxleben.

Piate 16.

The Hooded Seal, also known as the Crested Seal and Bladder-
nose, measures about 8 feet in length. The drawing of this species,
shown in the lower part of the Plate, was taken from a specimen in
the Royal Scottish Museum.

The ground colour of the body in this example is a dark grey,
blotched and marbled with black, the face and muzzle are also black.

Immature examples are silvery grey above and yellowish white
below. The strange inflation on the upper parts of the face in the
adult males forms a kind of bag or sac which can be filled with air
when the animal is angry or excited, or relaxed when at rest.

This migrating Seal inhabits the Arctic Ocean from Greenland to
Northern Europe, ranges as far north as Baffin’s Bay, and also frequents
the American coast.

In England the first example was taken on the River Orwell,
Suffolk, in June 1847, while another was captured alive at Frodsham,
Cheshire, in February 1873.

The records for Scotland are: one stoned to death by some boys
on a rock near St. Andrews in July 1872, one shot in Ollerswith Bay,
Sanday, Orkneys, December 1890, another obtained on Benbecula in

63

BRITISH MAMMALS

May 1891, and the last shot at the mouth of the Lossie near Elgin,
in February 1903. All these seals appear to have been young animals.

Mr. Millais (Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland, vol. i. p. 364),
describes this species as loving the drift ice and rarely visiting rocky
shores, he says: “‘The Hooded Seals accompany the great body of the
Harp Seals that come through the Straits of Belle Isle every winter,
and after fishing about the Newfoundland banks, haul up on the floe
ice to the east of that island, where they bring forth their young
about a week later than the Harps.”

The Hooded Seal is said to be more courageous than the other
species, and will defend itself or young when attacked by sealers on
the ice.

64

Order CARNIVORA (continued)
Famiry MUSTELID.

Sus-Famity Lutrine.

Genus Lutra.

THE COMMON OTTER.
Lutra vulgaris, Erxleben.

PLaTE 17.

The form of the Otter is well adapted to its aquatic habits, the
long flattened body, tapering tail, short legs, and broad webbed feet,
enable the animal to glide silently and swiftly under water when pursuing
its elusive prey. The muzzle, well provided with stiff whiskers, is broad
and overlaps the lower lips. The colour of the outer hair on the upper
parts is in general a rich glossy brown, while under this is a coat of
soft greyish fur. The cheeks, chest, belly, and inner surface of the limbs
are a dull grey. Considerable variation occurs in the size and weight
of the Otter, but a full-grown male will measure from nose to end of
tail from about 3; to 4 feet, the tail being rather more than half the
length of head and body.

The Common Otter inhabits the greater part of Europe, and also
Asia and America, the smaller race of Northern India and the larger
one of North America not being recognised as distinct.

In the British Islands, it is widely distributed throughout England,

Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Owing to its shy and retiring habits
I. 65 I

BRITISH MAMMALS

it is seldom seen except when hunted, and will often frequent a stream
without its presence being detected.

The Otter usually lies up during the day in his holt or retreat,
which may be under a bank, in a hollow pollard tree by the stream,
or merely a dry bed among reeds or bushes, whence he issues towards
nightfall to prey on various kinds of fish or on frogs. Eels form a
large and favourite part of the Otter’s diet, as well as salmon and
grilse, while on the sea-coast numbers of flounders are caught in the
shallow pools at the mouths of rivers. Occasionally small mammals and
birds are eaten,

I have only once seen an Otter abroad during the day, when one
passed close to me as he made his way along the banks of a rocky
burn in Sutherland.

When an Otter enters the water no sound or splash will be noticed,
as the animal has a wonderful power of silently gliding under the surface,
leaving nothing more than a ripple and a chain of air bubbles to mark
the spot where he vanished. Even the speed of the salmon is not sufficient
to save it, for the Otter will persistently hunt a fish in the pools of a river
until the latter is exhausted, when it is easily captured and brought ashore
to be eaten. The prey is often left on the bank with nothing more than
a bite taken out of the shoulder, and in former days, when Otters and
salmon were plentiful in Scotland, people used regularly to visit the likely
spots on the banks of rivers to obtain what the Otter had discarded.

Charles St. John, who knew its habits intimately, says (Wild Sports
and Natural History of the Highlands, 8th ed. p. 115): ‘They appear
to go a considerable distance, generally hunting down the stream, and
returning up to their place of concealment before dawn. At certain
places they seem to come to land every night, or, at any rate, every

time they pass that way. In solitary and undisturbed situations I have
66

THE COMMON OTTER

sometimes fallen in with the Otter during the day. In a loch far in the
hills I have seen one raise itself half out of the water, take a steady
look at me, and then sink gradually and quietly below the surface,
appearing again at some distance, but next time showing only part of
its head. At other times I have seen one floating down a stream with
no exertion of its own which could attract notice; but passing with
the current, showing only the top of its head and its nose, with its tail
floating near the surface, and waving to and fro as if independent of all
restraint from its owner.”

Two or three young are usually born at a time in some well-con-
cealed shelter, such as a covered drain, a hole in a bank, or inside
a hollow tree by the water. The cubs are taught to swim and catch

their prey by the mother.

67

Sus-Famiry MELINZE.

Genus Meles.

THE BADGER.
Meles taxus, Boddaert.

Prarte 18.

Our Common Badger, whose fossil remains found in ancient deposits
show that his ancestors were coeval with the mammoth, appears to
have some kinship with the Bear, and like that animal is plantigrade,
placing the soles of the feet on the ground when moving.

The length of a full-grown Badger is about 28 to 30 inches from
nose to root of tail, the latter measuring another 7 or 8 inches. The colour
of the coat is chiefly a warm grizzly grey, the cheeks and forehead
white, with a black band extending from near the nose to behind the
ears, which are white at the tips. The throat, chest, under parts, legs, and
feet are black. The thickset brawny body, powerful jaws, and long sharp
claws of the Badger make him a formidable foe and a match for almost any
dog large enough to enter his stronghold, and as none of our wild animals
care to molest him, he leads on the whole a peaceful life.

Our Common Badger inhabits northern Europe and Asia, and also the
greater part of the British Islands, though apparently not in such numbers
as formerly. However, it may often exist in a district where its presence
is not suspected, owing to its nocturnal habits and love of seclusion.

It is certainly a common animal in parts of Surrey, where its earths are

numerous, and from these strongholds it nightly makes forays, leaving
68

24
-
5
at
“*
2:

«e*

THE BADGER

unmistakable traces of its presence in the woods and copses, where the
turf and soil have been routed by the snout of the animal while searching
for grubs or roots during these evening rambles. In autumn I have often
found the nests of wasps dug out and scattered, as the larve of the
insects form a favourite food of the Badger, who finds no difficulty in
digging out the combs with his claws, while his thick coat effectually
protects him from the stings of the insects.

The Badger takes life easily and passes a good part of it asleep in
his den, though he is active enough when out at night on his rambles.
His stronghold is an elaborate system of burrows dug far into the soil,
and as a rule in a sloping bank, in which are various turns and corners,
serving as vantage ground, where the animal can best defend itself against an
enemy. Often there are several entrance tunnels to the fortress.

The Badger is scrupulously clean and tidy in his habits, and makes
a comfortable bed for himself of dead bracken and grasses which is
periodically replenished or sometimes taken out to air and replaced. He
seldom leaves his home in the daytime, but during the short summer
nights may come out about sundown.

On the whole, the Badger is a harmless and useful animal, devouring
worms, grubs, reptiles, and various grubs and roots, though also partial
to young rabbits, eggs, or other dainties he may come across.

With his keen power of scent he is able to detect the exact spot
where a family of young rabbits have been left in their underground
nursery, when he will dig directly down on them.

Though less active in winter the Badger does not hibernate, and
will come out when snow covers the ground. I have seen their tracks
as they left the neighbourhood of their earths, crossing a field to a
distant plantation, showing where they made their nightly excursions.

Three or four young are born at a time in spring.

69

Sus-Famity MUSTELINZ.

Genus Mustela.

THE PINE MARTEN.

Mustela martes, Linnzus.

PuaTeE 19.

Two species of Marten were at one time believed to inhabit the British
Islands, namely the Beech Marten, m. foima, and the Pine Marten, m.
abierum, as described by Bell in his British Quadrupeds, and it was not
until 1879 that the late E. A. Alston was able to prove that we have
only one, the Pine Marten.

This species differs from the white-breasted Beech Marten of the
more southern parts of Continental Europe, in having a narrower skull,
while the coat is darker and the breast usually orange or yellowish white.
As the latter becomes paler and often white when the animal grows
older, our Marten was frequently confused with the other, though not
by observant naturalists like Charles St. John, who long ago stated his
belief that we had only one.

In colour, the outer fur of the Pine Marten is a rich glossy
brown, under fur warm grey, the legs and feet a deep brown. The
length of head and body about 21 inches, the tail (including hairs) 12
inches,

This species has a wide range over northern Europe and Asia, and
at one time was common in many parts of the British Islands, though
now much restricted in distribution and numbers.

7O

THE PINE MARTEN

It still lingers in the north-western districts of England and also in
Wales and Ireland, while it is by no means extinct yet in the Highland
deer forests, which are its chief strongholds in Scotland.

Though by nature a forest loving species, the Pine Marten is not
confined to the woods, but will often make its home among the rocky
cairns and heather of the open hillside.

On such ground it preys on the mountain hare and rabbit and
has been accused of killing sheep and lambs. His great agility and
strength enable the Marten to surprise and overcome large birds like
the blackcock, and in forest country squirrels, which are hunted down
on the trees, are a favourite quarry. St. John noticed its fondness for
fruit, especially raspberries, and also observed that it was more often
seen abroad during the day than other members of the Weasel family.

The female Marten makes use of a cairn, or sometimes the deserted
nest of a bird, in which to rear her young, which usually number from
two or three to five. The fur of this animal, which is closely allied
to the Sable, is prized on account of its beauty, and is quite free from
the unpleasant odour of the Polecat’s.

BRITISH MAMMALS

THE POLECAT.
Mustela putorius, Linnzus.

PLaTE 20.

The Polecat, Fitchet, or Foumart (foul marten), as it is variously
called, is smaller and more robust in form than the Pine Marten and is
much less active and alert in character.

The length of head and body of the male measures about 18 inches,
the tail 7 or 8 inches.

The under fur, soft in texture and pale yellowish buff in colour,
blending with the glossy brown or black of the long outer hairs, makes
a beautiful combination of colour and gives to the animal a very hand-
some appearance.

It owes its name of Foumart to the highly offensive odour it
can emit when irritated, which is stronger than in the Stoat or
Weasel.

The Polecat is found over northern and central Europe, where it
occurs even high up among the Alps, but does not penetrate far into
the southern parts of the Continent. In England it is rare in the
southern countries and appears to be nowhere common, but, according
to Mr. Millais, Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland, it is not so
rare in Wales as it is generally supposed to be.

In Scotland, where it was at one time abundant, the Polecat is now
very scarce. Being very easily trapped, and preying chiefly on rabbits
which it followed into their burrows, it soon became rare or extinct
when steel traps became common. As it is also very destructive to game

72

THE POLECAT

and poultry it was persistently sought for by keepers and farmers, who
have more or less exterminated the species.

In character the Polecat is bold and aggressive; as an instance of
this I remember as a boy one brought home by my brother, who came across
the animal while eating a rat by the roadside near Dalhousie, Mid-
lothian. On being disturbed it boldly left the shelter of the hedge
and attacked, but was killed by a blow on the head with a stick.

Like the other Mustelide it is very destructive and bloodthirsty,
and when breaking into a hen-roost will immediately kill all the fowls
within its reach.

The female is especially destructive at the time she is rearing her
young, when large supplies of food, consisting of mammals, birds, and
fishes, have been found in her larder. Eels and frogs appear to be a
favourite food of the animal.

THE STOAT.
Mustela erminea, Linneus.

PLaTes 21-22.

A distinctive feature in the Stoat or Ermine, by which it can at
once be recognised at all seasons, is the glossy black extremity of the
tail. In summer the outer fur of the upper parts is a russet brown,
the soft under coat a pale warm grey, the lips, throat, and entire under
parts, including the inside of the legs and usually the feet, are white,
tinged with lemon yellow, as figured in Plate 21.

In winter in cold climates all the brown hairs on the head, body,
and base of the tail generally lose their colour and become white, but
show a yellow suffusion.

I. 73 K

BRITISH MAMMALS

In Great Britain the Stoat when it whitens generally begins to change in
November or December, those in the colder parts, such as northern Scotland,
bleaching earlier than in England, where often the only alteration may be a
slight fading of the russet coat and a smal] extension of the white.

According to Bell (British Quadrupeds, 2nd ed. pp. 198-199)
“The first indications of alteration in colour are such as might readily
escape observation. It is on the basal or brown part of the tail and
on the toes that the white first makes its appearance; and after this
the white of the belly extends upwards on the animal’s sides, thus
destroying the regularity of the line where the brown and white meet ;
about the same time the legs become powdered with white. A more
advanced stage shows the limbs and root of the tail white, and the
brown of the back reduced to a narrow stripe, excepting on the rump,
which, with the head and hind neck, is the latest to change; and, in
fact, these parts rarely become quite white in this country.”

In Plate 22 is given a figure of the Stoat taken from the specimen
obtained in Argyllshire in January 1919, which shows the full winter
pelage, excepting a small mask of brown on the face, always the last
part to change. As a sign that the alteration in colour is climatic and
not dependent on the season, it is known that Stoats inhabiting the
summit of Ben Nevis retain their white coats in summer. Some in-
dividuals seem more inclined to assume the winter dress than others,
for even in the south of England I have seen one in a comparatively
mild season with nearly half the body white.

The long sinuous neck and body and short legs of the Stoat are
perfectly suited to its mode of life, and enable it to follow its prey
such as rats into their narrow underground workings.

The average length of head and body in the male is about 10} inches,
the tail about 5: or 6 inches.

74

THE STOAT

In character the Stoat is the embodiment of agility and strength,
and will often run down and kill animals as large as a hare, while
rabbits and smaller mammals, game-birds and fowls, are also preyed on.
It seems strange that such swift-footed creatures as the hare and rabbit
should be unable to escape the attack of the Stoat, who kills by biting
through the arteries of the neck, yet when tracked by their enemy they
soon lose their nerve and lying down are easily mastered. Their des-
pairing cries at such times are pitiful to hear.

What is still more strange is the courage sometimes displayed by a
doe rabbit when her young are molested, when she will boldly charge
and put to flight the aggressor. Mr. Millais gives an instance of this,
and I have myself witnessed a somewhat similar incident on the moors
near Pitlochry, when I observed a rabbit persistently chasing a Stoat,
which kept dodging among the heather in his efforts to escape.

The Stoat is naturally frolicsome, skipping about and playing for his
own amusement, though he also makes use of these playful gambols to
get within reach of some unsuspecting animal, whose sense of danger is
lulled by his curious antics.

The Stoat is a bold and strong swimmer, and is known to be able
to catch eels.

By watching his tracks in snow, sometimes in the open, or winding
about hedgerows in and out of the rabbit holes, one can gain some
notion of the Stoat’s method of hunting and the long distances he will
travel in pursuit of his quarry.

The young, usually about five or more in number, are born in a nest
made in some cavity in a stone wall or bank, within a hollow tree, or
sometimes in a deserted bird’s nest.

In the background of Plate 21 is shown a figure of the Irish
Stoat, the Pusorius hibernicus of Mr. Oldfield Thomas and Major

75

BRITISH MAMMALS

Barrett-Hamilton ; a sub-species of the Common Stoat, the chief differ-
ence being a matter of colouring.

In the Irish race the white on the upper lip is absent, and the extent
of this colour is also much narrower on the belly and chest, its con-
tinuity being sometimes broken on the latter.

The measurements are rather less, whilst the white dress is seldom
assumed in winter.

This form also inhabits the Isle of Man.

I am indebted to Lieut. Talbot Clifton, R.N.V.R., for kindly sending

me a specimen from Connemara for the illustration.

76

THE WEASEL

THE WEASEL.
Mustela vulgavis, Erxleben.

PiatE 23.

Apart from its short and comparatively slender tail, of a uniform
reddish brown in colour without any black at the tip, the Weasel may
be readily distinguished from the Stoat by its smaller size, paler colour,
and pure white under parts.

In length of head and body the male measures about 8 inches, with
2 inches more for the tail. The female is less, often so much so that
it has been mistaken for a smaller species, and in the southern counties
of England was known as the ‘Cane’ or ‘ Kine.’

The Weasel inhabits Europe, northern and central Asia, and North
America.

Though common throughout the mainland of Great Britain it is
unknown in Ireland, where the only species of the Mustelide are the
Marten and Stoat, but the latter often passes under the name of ‘ Weasel’ in
Ireland.

On account of its fondness for mice, voles, and young rats, the
Weasel deserves the benediction of all farmers and agriculturists, and well
Tepays protection. It is not nearly so destructive to game as the Stoat
or Polecat, though showing a decided partiality for young rabbits.

Mouse holes and the tunnels of moles are easily entered by this slim
little hunter, and as he hunts by scent his prey seldom escapes.

When after a mouse or vole the Weasel follows along their runs
without a check; I have watched one chasing a vole, which was first

77

BRITISH MAMMALS

hunted out of a hedgebank, and killed as it tried to cross the open road
by a single bite on the head.

As far as I have noticed, voles when hunted do not lie down and
give in like a hare or rabbit, but do their best to escape till the end.

Weasels can climb well and will ascend a tree to some height. I
once dislodged one from a Martin’s nest under the eaves of my house,
which was apparently used as a snug day-time retreat by the Weasel.

The hearing and scenting powers of this animal seem much better
than its eyesight, and if the sound of a mouse in distress is imitated
by a squeaking noise of the lips, a Weasel may be lured to within the
distance of a yard or two. I have seen one come close up to me
on a high road.

Instances have been known of birds of prey being killed in the
air by the bites of Weasels on which they had pounced. Bell mentions
an encounter of this sort, when a Kite had been the aggressor.

Like the Stoat, the Weasel will occasionally hunt in company, when
small packs of half a dozen or so will work together like hounds. These
parties probably consist of the mother and her grown-up family.

As an instance of the tiny space through which a Weasel can pass
its slender body, I once found one in a mole-trap with its body behind
the shoulders encircled by the small perforated piece of metal which
acts as a trigger, the aperture being only about an inch in diameter.

The five or six young are born in a nest placed in a hole in a wall
or old tree.

In the northern parts of its range in Europe and America the
Weasel is said to become entirely white in winter, but this change
of colour does not occur in Great Britain, where the white examples
recorded from time to time appear to be albinos.

78

Order RODENTIA—RODENTS, OR GNAWING
ANIMALS
Famity SCIURIDAE.

Genus Sciurus.

THE COMMON SQUIRREL.
Scirus vulgaris, Linneus.

PLATE 24.

Passing the greater part of its life among the branches of trees, the
strong flexible feet and sharp claws of the Squirrel enable it to maintain
a hold of the boughs with the greatest ease, whilst the long bushy tail,
besides acting as a poise for the body, forms a warm wrap against the
cold.

The length of the head and body is about 83 inches, the tail,
including the hairs, about 8: inches.

When in full winter coat, which is assumed in October by a moult,
the colour of the fur is in general a soft warm grey, as shown in the
Plate, relieved by tHe chestnut tints on the limbs and white under parts,
which do not change with the season. The tail, rather flat than cylin-
drical in form, is well haired, bushy, and glossy brown in colour with
a pale buff tip.

In summer the coat moults again to a more or less reddish chestnut
hue, and the hairs of the tail, which by this time are scanty, blanch to
a light buff colour. Blyth appears to have been the first to observe that

1)

BRITISH MAMMALS

the Squirrel sheds its coat twice in the year, and that in summer the
ornamental ear-tufts are entirely wanting.

The Common Squirrel inhabits Europe from Lapland to northern
Italy, and ranges throughout Siberia to Japan.

Those in the more northern parts of its habitat are very grey in colour
and provide a valuable fur.

In England, Wales, and Scotland, the Squirrel is indigenous and common
in most wooded districts, but in Ireland, where it is also now plentiful,
it is said to have been introduced by human agency in quite recent
times.

This nimble little climber is familiar to most of us in the country,
as he passes from tree to tree among the topmost branches or swiftly
runs up their stems in a nervous jerky manner when surprised upon
the ground.

Mr. Millais, in his Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland (vol. ii.
pp. 147-148), has most happily described its acrobat-like behaviour as
follows : ‘‘ Often after its first rush to safety it lies flat and motionless
against the trunk with all legs extended and head pressed close to the
bark. If you follow it round to get a better view, it either ascends
by scrambling rushes to the higher branches, or, if it considers the tree
too bare, darts off along the stems to another and yet another tree,
until it finds refuge high up in some dense pine or Scotch fir, where
it is lost to sight. In such a position it will remain for hours without
moving. When running from one tree to another it keeps its tail
depressed, and it uses this appendage with great skill to aid in main-
taining its balance when running along the slender twigs.”

The food of the Squirrel is varied, consisting chiefly of nuts and
other seeds of trees, wild berries, the eggs and young of birds, and
also the old birds when it can catch them.

80

THE COMMON SQUIRREL

One on a spruce fir in my garden was seen to take a flying leap
at a small bird—a robin, I think—which, however, it failed to secure.

Gilbert White observed that the Squirrel when eating a nut, after
rasping off the small end, splits the shell in two with his long fore-
teeth, as a man does with his knife.

Stores of beech-mast and nuts are laid by in some hiding place
for the winter, and during this time the Squirrel sleeps a good deal
in his warm winter ‘drey’ or nest, but it seems doubtful whether the
animal hibernates much at this season, in Britain at all events. One
sees them abroad even in the coldest weather, and the scattered remains
of fir cones on the snow under the trees show where they have been
feeding.

Early in spring a nesting drey is prepared, in which from two to
four young are born at a time.

Famiry MYOXIDZ.

Genus Muscardinus,

THE COMMON DORMOUSE.

Muscardinus avellanarius, Linneus.

Pirate 25 (Frontispiece),

Allied to the Squirrel, which it resembles in some of its habits, the
Dormouse is of stouter build than the true mice and possesses a thicker
and bushy tail.

The prevailing colour of this attractive little animal is a soft brownish
buff, brighter on the face and flanks, blending into pale cream colour
on the belly, and white on the throat and breast. The fur is very soft
in texture, with a beautiful grey gloss or bloom on the upper parts of
the body.

The length from nose to root of tail in a full-grown specimen is
about 3 inches, the tail between 2: and 3 inches. ‘The large prominent
dark eye is a striking feature in this beautiful species.

The Dormouse is more restricted in his distribution than the Squirrel,
inhabiting central Europe from northern Italy to Sweden and ranging
eastwards to Galicia.

In the British Islands its range is confined to England and Wales,
where it is unevenly distributed and does not appear to be known farther
than the northern boundaries of Durham.

The Dormouse is fairly plentiful in the southern and western counties

of England, though rare in the Midlands and Norfolk. A full account
. 82

THE COMMON DORMOUSE

of its distribution has been given by Mr. G. T. Rope in the Zoo/ogist,
June 1885.

I have found it abundant in the neighbourhood of Godalming in
Surrey, where the numerous copses of hazel-nut, shady hedgerows and
similar cover seem specially suited to its habits. Mr. Millais in his work
on our Mammals has pointed out the “great similarity in the habitat of
this animal and the nightingale. Both frequent forest edges but seem to
shun the solitude of the forest itself.”

Having fattened on the autumnal harvest of nuts, the Dormouse lays
by a store for the winter and retires to its nest about the latter part of
October, when curling itself into a ball, with the tail wrapping the head
and body, it falls into a deep slumber which lasts with a few short
intervals of partial activity till the following April.

The winter nest, composed of dead grasses, leaves, and moss, is
variously placed, sometimes among roots or ivy-covered stumps of trees
close to the ground, sometimes in thickets of brambles, where the one
shown in the Plate was situated. I have seen it built near the top of
a haystack at some distance from the ground, and also in a clump of
bamboo, where the dead leaves of the plant had been used for the
fabric.

A captive Dormouse which I once kept as a model, escaping in my
room, made a dormitory for itself in the canvas of a sketching umbrella,
where I found it fast asleep.

Although apparently sluggish in temperament, the Dormouse at times
shows wonderful agility, leaping from branch to branch in a hedge in
a surprising manner, and catching hold of the twigs with great dexterity.
It is also good-tempered and seldom bites when handled. In habits
this animal is mostly nocturnal, though it will sometimes come out in
daylight.

83

BRITISH MAMMALS

The food consists chiefly of various wild fruits and nuts, whilst in-
sects and grubs are also eaten.

The female produces three or four young at a time in a nursery
built for the purpose usually quite near the ground. This is larger than
the dormitory made by the Dormouse as a retreat in summer.

Various local names have been given to this animal, such as Sleeper,

Sleep-mouse, Seven-sleeper, etc., all descriptive of its hibernating habits.

END OF VOL. I.

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