Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/145

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The Food of the Water-Vole.—I am convinced as to the carnivorous habit of the (Arvicola amphibius), having on two or three occasions seen the animal industriously engaged in the occupation. I like the little fellow, and have found him right merry company when loafing at eventide in the solitary places of our rivers and broadlands. He is amusing by his frolicsomeness when he seems assured there are no onlookers, and I should not like a hair of his coat harmed by what I may say of him, for such animal food as he may discuss is comparatively worthless. In the August of 1896 I threw a couple of dead Roach on a "rond" in Kendall Dyke, near Hickling Broad, at the rear of my houseboat. Next morning but a few bones and scales remained. Suspecting the Voles, I pegged down another Roach or two, and the Water-Voles—for such they were—came again and had their supper. The late Sir E. Newton had suggested to me some time previously that the number of broken fresh-water Mussel-shells (Anodonta cygnea), at Lound, were the work of Voles. On Sept. 12th, 1896, I examined a number of broken shells at Lound, amongst which lay the excrement of the animals in question. One particular valve was always broken, probably being the easier of manipulation. I actually observed a Vole (I was quietly fishing at the moment opposite him) come out of the water, and drag a Swan Mussel up the bank, which he had secured intact. I received a communication shortly after from West Norfolk, pointing out to me the partiality of Arvicola to the Crayfish. Above all, however, I think the Water-Vole delights to feed upon the stems of the succulent grasses growing in shallow ditches, and will remain in the centre of a clump, selecting the finest, which, sitting at ease upon his haunches, he nibbles, holding them between his fore paws with all the adroitness of the Squirrel.— (Ibis House, Great Yarmouth).

Late Redstart and Tree-Pipit, &c.—On Nov. 16th, 1901, whilst walking between Bexhill and St. Leonards, I saw a female Common Redstart (Ruticilla phœnicurus) on a fence by the South Coast Railway.