A HISTORY OF WORCESTERSHIRE means rare on the near parts of the Cottes- wolds, where it finds safe harbourage in the fissures in the oolite quarries, of which there are many, as well as in the adjoining parts of Oxfordshire. 21. Otter. Lutra lutra^ Linn. Bell — Lutra vulgaris. In 1834 Sir Charles Hastings mentioned the otter as occurring in the Teme and some other small streams in Worcestershire, but not in the Severn. It still haunts the Teme and its tributaries, probably in increased numbers, and since the Avon has ceased to be a navi- gable river has become comparatively com- mon in that stream. In streams of the size and depth of the Avon otter hunting is not practicable, and it is not likely therefore that the animal will be exterminated, or indeed much reduced in numbers. In the tributaries, where the otter is not rare, there would be a much greater chance of successful pursuit. One of these feeders of the Avon, the Stour, falling into that stream near Strat- ford, passes through the outlying part of Worcestershire at Shipston, where it is fre- quented by the otter. The otter by no means confines itself to fish and has been on several occasions killed when it has left the river and sought out poultry. It is said that a favourite article of its diet are eels, but while it doubt- less takes them when it can catch them it seems to be generally carnivorous. RODENTIA 22. Squirrel. Sciurus leucourm, Kerr. Bell — Sciurus vulgaris. Of this pretty denizen of the woods and coppices I need only say that it is still common. 23. Brown Rat. Mus decumanus, Pallas. Nothing more need be said of this omni- vorous and cannibal species than to observe that it is only too plentiful, is a thorough pest and appears to be increasing. 24. Black Rat. Mus rattus, Linn. Some years since a number of rats of this species were taken at several places more or less near to the Worcestershire Avon at a time when that stream was navigable ; the supposition being that they were brought from the docks in Gloucester in barges laden with corn. That supposition gains support by the disappearance of the black rat from the same places since the navigation of the Avon has ceased. Sir Charles Hastings mentions this animal as occurring at Wick near Worcester and a few farmhouses in the county. It however seems of recent years to be almost if not quite exterminated by the brown rat, no specimens having been taken at Upper Wick for some years. 25. House Mouse. Mus muscu/us, Linn. Too troublesome as well as too abundant to be dwelt upon. 26. Wood Mouse or Long-tailed Field Mouse. Mus sylvaticus, Linn. A very pretty creature with large black eyes, large rounded ears and a long tail. It is com- mon in the fields and gardens, sometimes doing in the latter place considerable damage by consuming the early planted peas. Occasion- ally this mouse will enter buildings and even dwellings, and has been captured in the cellar of a farmhouse, where it had eaten nearly the whole of the inside of a cheese. The nest for the reception of the young, as well as for winter quarters, is usually a burrow of its own construction, and as it is by no means in- frequently turned up by the plough, it may probably be the mouse which has been im- mortalized by Burns, if indeed it is an Ayr- shire creature. The present species is very easily tamed, and when kept in confinement is very gentle, evincing no disposition to bite when handled, as I can affirm from personal observation. 27. Harvest Mouse. Mus minutus, Pallas. Formerly more abundant in the valley of the Worcestershire Avon than at present. It is most commonly found in cornfields, more especially wheatfields, in which its symmetrical and beautiful nest is occasionally seen sus- pended amongst the stems of wheat. When reaping machines were unknown, the long stubble after han'est was cut by the scythe and put into small heaps called cocks, and beneath them the little harvest mouse was often found, as well as sundry shrews, long- tailed field mice and voles. A harvest-mouse which was kept in captivity for some time by the author and fed principally on hempseed, changed from the usual yellow to a deep rich chestnut colour. 28. Water Vole. Microtus amphihius., Linn. Bell — Arvicola amphihius. It is common in all our streams, streamlets 176
