. The naturalist's library : containing scientific and popular descriptions of man, quadrupeds, birds, fishes, reptiles and insects . ilities are renewed in the same manner; nor do theysuspend their havoc till the majority are destroyed. For this reason it is,that, after any place has for a long while been infested with rats, they oftenseem to disappear of a sudden, and sometimes for a considerable time. The female always prepares a bed for her young, and provides themimmediately with food. On their first quitting the-hole, she watches over,defends, and will even fight the cots, in order to sa
. The naturalist's library : containing scientific and popular descriptions of man, quadrupeds, birds, fishes, reptiles and insects . ilities are renewed in the same manner; nor do theysuspend their havoc till the majority are destroyed. For this reason it is,that, after any place has for a long while been infested with rats, they oftenseem to disappear of a sudden, and sometimes for a considerable time. The female always prepares a bed for her young, and provides themimmediately with food. On their first quitting the-hole, she watches over,defends, and will even fight the cots, in order to save them. The weasel,though a smaller animal, is, however, a still more formidable enemy thanthe cat. The rat cannot inflict any wounds but by snatches, and with hisfore teeth, which, however, being rather calculated for gnawing than forbiting, have but little strength; whereas the weasel bites fiercely with theforce of its whole jaw at once, and, instead of letting go its hold, sucks theblood through the wound. In every conflict with an enemy so dangerous,it is-no wonder, therefore, that the rat should fall a victim. IHE MOUSEi. Is an animal smaller than the rat, as also more numerous, and more gene-rally difiused. Its instinct, its temperament, its disposition is the same;nor does it materially difier from the rat, but by its weakness, and the habitswhich it contracts from that circumstance. By nature timid, by necessityfamiliar, its fears and its wants are the sole springs of its actions. It neverleaves its hiding-place, but to seek for food; nor does Jt, like the rat, gofrom one house to another, unless forced to it, or commit by any means somuch mischief. When viewed without the absiird disgust and apprehensionwhich usually accompanies, or is afiected at the sight of it, the mouse is abeautiful creature ; its skin is sleek and soft, its eyes bright and lively, allits limbs are formed with exquisite delicacy, and its motions are smart andactive. Though one of the most timid
Size: 2117px × 1181px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., book, bookdecade1850, bookidnaturalistslibra00gould, bookyear1852
