passing (like fairy lights) in numberless and continual succession under the gentlest breath of air, I was aware of my little friend running nimbly on the surface among them. My rapture caused me to start with delight, on which he vanished to security within his rush-fringed bank. . . . I should have mentioned that, on very still evenings, when my ear was close to the ground, I fancied I heard him utter a very short, shrill, feeble sibilation, not unlike that of the grasshopper lark, in mild, light summer nights, but nothing near so loud, or long continued. Though I have watched for him warily in that and other places, after having, to the end of May, contributed to the myriads of my amusements, I never saw him more."[1]
It may be interesting to our country readers to be informed, that this pretty animal, one of the smallest and most beautiful of British quadrupeds, is widely diffused, and by no means so rare as to preclude the probability of its pleasing manners coming under the notice of our young field-naturalists. It has been ascertained, since its re-discovery by Mr. Dovaston, to be a native of several of the southern, midland, and northern counties of England, and even of Scotland. Mr. Bell has received it from Hertfordshire, from Devonshire, and from the river Lea, in Essex.
The zoologist just named informs us that the Water Shrew is attacked by the Weasel, which even follows it into the water, where, however, it readily saves itself by diving.
- ↑ Mag. Nat. Hist. ii. 219.
