. The popular natural history . Zoology. I40 THE LEMMING. Europe, such as Lapland, Norway, and Sweden, are subjected to a strange invasion. Hundreds of little, dark, mouse-like animals sweep over the land, like clouds of locusts suddenly changed into quadrupeds, coming from some unknown home, and going no one knows whither. These creatures are the Lemmings, and their sudden appearances are so entirely mysterious, that the Norwegians look upon them as having been rained from the clouds upon the earth. Driven onvirards by some overpowering instinct, these vast hordes travel in a straight line, p
. The popular natural history . Zoology. I40 THE LEMMING. Europe, such as Lapland, Norway, and Sweden, are subjected to a strange invasion. Hundreds of little, dark, mouse-like animals sweep over the land, like clouds of locusts suddenly changed into quadrupeds, coming from some unknown home, and going no one knows whither. These creatures are the Lemmings, and their sudden appearances are so entirely mysterious, that the Norwegians look upon them as having been rained from the clouds upon the earth. Driven onvirards by some overpowering instinct, these vast hordes travel in a straight line, permitting nothing but a smooth perpendicular wall or rock to turn them from their course. If they should happen to meet with any living being, they immediately attack, knowing no fear, but only urged by undiscriminating rage. Any river or lake they swim without hesitation, and rather seem to enjoy the water than to fear it. If a stack or a corn-rick should stand in their way, they settle the matter by eating their way through. -(Myides Leinmus.) it, and will not be turned from their direct course even by fire. The country over which they pass is utterly devastated by them, and it is said that cattle will not touch the grass on which a Lemming has trodden. These migrating hosts are accompanied by clouds of predaceous birds, and by many predaceous quadrupeds, who find a continual feast spread for them as long as the Lemmings are on their pilgrimage. While they are crossing the rivers or lakes, the fish come in for their share of the banquet, and make great havoc among their columns. It is a very remarkable fact that the rein- deer is often seen in chase of the Lemmines ; and the Norwegians say that the deer is in the habit of eating them. This statement, however, seems to be rather of doubtful character. The termination of these extraordinary migrations is generally in the sea, where the survivors ol the much-reduced ranks finally perish. Mr. Lloyd mentions that just before his v
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
