THE WATER-SHREWS. These little animals are slightly larger than the real Shrews, which they very much resemble, and from which they are further distinguishable by the facility with which they swim and dive, owing to the fringed condition of their feet. The Water-shrew frequents fresh, clear streams and ponds, constructing in their banks long winding burrows, terminating in a chamber lined with moss and grass. “When born they are,” Mr. Austen tells us, “curious pinky-white little creatures, but very unlike their parents.” A small colony of these Shrews frequently inhabit the same spot, and towards the cool of the evening may be observed searching for food, and sporting with each other in the water; now hiding behind stones or large leaves, as if to elude their companions, and then darting out to engage in a general skirmishing chase, diving and swimming with the greatest activity, and occasionally taking a plunge into their holes. By constantly traversing the same ground, in going and returning from their burrows, they gradually tread down a path among the grass and herbage, by which their presence may readily be discovered by an experienced eye. When under water, their fur is covered with multitudes of tiny air-bubbles that shine like silver and have a beautiful effect when seen against the dark surface of the body. THE ELEPHANT SHREW. [Illustration: THE ELEPHANT SHREW.] This little creature has received its name from its long nose which somewhat resembles the trunk of the Elephant on a small scale. This species is found in South America, where they may be seen in search of prey among the bushes, retiring quickly to their burrows when they find themselves observed. They are leaping animals, and love to sit erect, basking in the full heat of the sun. THE HEDGEHOGS. [Illustration: HEDGEHOGS.] The Hedgehogs owe their name to the singular texture of their hair, which consists of real spines, capable of being thrown erect at the will of the animal. They frequent the woods and hedgerows, living in a burrow excavated in some bank, wherein it passes the winter in a lethargic condition. It lives principally upon insects, but does not refuse fruits and other vegetable substances. Hedgehogs do not stir out during the day, but they run or walk about the whole night long. They rarely approach dwellings, and prefer elevated and dry places, although they are sometimes found in meadows. If laid hold of, they do not try to escape or defend themselves, either with their mouth or feet, but they roll themselves up into a ball as soon as touched. As they sleep during winter, the provisions which they are said by some to accumulate during the summer would be useless to them. They do not eat much, and pass a considerable time without food.