[Illustration:
THE MOUSE.
]
This little creature we all know, because it eats our cheese, and tries
all the good things in the larder, we keep a cat to catch it: yet it is
very pretty. It hides itself in the walls and under the floors; and in
these places it sometimes lays up a considerable store of provision for
future subsistence. Its food is various; and, as it is able to pass
through a very small hole, there are few places secure from its
approach. It seems a constant attendant on man, and is to be found only
near his dwelling. Its sight and hearing are extremely acute: and as
soon as it observes the least motion, or hears the slightest noise, it
listens attentively, sitting erect on its hinder feet; and, if the alarm
continues, it runs in haste to its retreat. But if it be gradually
encouraged, and nourishment and security are offered, it will, by
degrees, lose those fears. An instance is related of a Mouse that made
its appearance every day at the table of its benefactor, and there
waited until it had received its usual portion of food, which it
devoured, and then ran away. Some few of this species are of a pure
white colour; but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an
accidental variety, cannot well be determined.
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