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The Pretty Dormouse and Its Nest

HE pretty little must needs have some retired domicile in brown-coated, which it can be hidden from the many enewhite-bellied Dor- mies which might attack a sleeping animal. mouse is familiar One of these nests is depicted in the to all who have illustration, and the specimen from which been fond of keep- it is drawn is similar to all other nests. ing pets. There It was situated in a hedge about four feet is no difficulty in from the ground, and, as may be seen by preserving the reference to the illustration, is placed in animal in health, the forking of a hazel branch, the smaller and, therefore, it twigs of which form a kind of palisade favorite round it. The substances of which it is among those who like to keep animals composed are of two kinds, namely, grassand do not like the trouble of looking blades and leaves of trees, the former after them. It is, however, rather an un- being the chief material. is a interesting animal when kept in a cage, The entrance to the nest is so ingeni. as it sleeps during the greater part of the ously concealed that to find it is not a day, and the sight of a round ball of very easy matter, even when its precise brown fur is not particularly amusing. position is known; and in order to show When kept in confinement, it is obliged the manner in which it is constructed to make for itself a very inartificial nest, one of the Dormice is represented in the because it is deprived of proper materials act of drawing aside the grass-blades that and a suitable locality. It does its best conceal it. The pendent pieces of grass with the soft hay and cotton wool which that are being held aside by the little are usually provided for it, but it cannot paw are so fixed that when released from do much with such materials. But when pressure they spring back over the aperture in a state of liberty, and able to work in and conceal it in a very effectual manner. its own manner, it is an admirable nest- Although the Dormouse uses this aërial maker. As it passes the day in sleep, it house as a residence, it does not make use