[Three Hundred Animals Contents]
IS a lively, active animal, and the most timid in nature, except the hare, and a few other defenceless species. Although timid, he eats in the trap as soon as he is caught; yet he never can be thoroughly tamed, nor does he betray any affection for his assiduous keeper. He is beset by a number of enemies, among which are the cat, the hawk and owl, the snake and weasel, and the rat himself, though not unlike the Mouse in his habits and shape. The Mouse is one of the most fecund animals, and it is supposed that the life of this small inmate of our habitations, does not extend much farther than three years. This creature is known all over the world, and pullulates where ever it finds food and tranquillity. There are Mice of various colours, but the most common is of a dark, cinereous hue; white Mice are not uncommon, particularly in Savoy, and some parts of France.
