The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-11-30

/
In reading the first volume OF Ut. You.
mans american Natural HISTORY we we,e
struck with the following among othef cuti'
GUS passages: &c the
/ Otter and NAV now remark that its dsposi-
rio, in this respect is singular and interest
ing. Their favorte sport is sliding, ana for
| tbis purpose in winter the highest ridge OF
snow is selected, to the top OF which the OF
ters scramble, where, lying ON the belly,
With the fore feet bent backwards, they give
themselves all impulse with the hlnd legs,
and swiftly glide headforemost down the
| derliyity. sometimes for the distance OF ~
yards. This sport they continue apparent
iv with the keencst enjoyment, until fatigue
or hunger. induces them to deslst. In the
summer this amusement is obtained by Sc
lec,inq a SPOT where the river bank is slop
inc has a clavey soil, aud the water at its
base is of considerable depth. The offers
then remove from the surface, tor the
breadth of several feet, tue sticks roots,
stones. and other distractions, and render
the surface as level asposslble. They climb
up the bank at less precipitous spot, and
starting from the top, slip with velocity over
the incining ground, and plump into the
water toa depth proportioncd to their weight
and rapidity of motion. After a few slides
and plunges, the surface OF the clay becomes
very smooth and slippery, and the rapid
succession of the slders, show how much
these animals are delighted by the game, as
well how capable they are Of performing ac-
tons, which have no other object than that
of pleasure or diversion"
tShrew moles are most active in the
morning, at mid day, and in the evening; af-
rnl vi hus in, pc
pairing thier damaged galleries; and in long
, continued wet weather, we find that they
seek the high grounds for security The
precision with which they daily come to the
surface at twelve O'Clock, is very rcmarka-
bic, and is we'll known in the country. In
many instances. when we have watched
J them, they have appearedcxactly attwelve,
and at this time only have we succeeded in
' taking them alive, which is easily done by
r intercepting their progress with spade,
T. broad knife-blade, &c. and throwing them
/ OH the surface. These animals do not APP
t pear to be well suited for living in the open
S air, especially if it be somewhat cool; for,
S after being few minutes exposed, we have
u ALWAYS observed them to :hiver, as it from
:, the change of temperature.
t THAT an animal of this kind should be
: domestcated with facility. would seem hard
S ly possible, Yet our friend Titan Peal tanned
!, very fine one which he caught while we
y were together examining their modes o.
i burrowing, TLis shrcw mole is kept ip 9
]. box containing some loose earth and dried
: grass for his bed; he eats considerable guam
S titles of fresh meat, either cooked or raw
drink freely and is remarkably lively ant
y playful, following the hand OF the feeder by
e the scent-burrowing for short distance ir
ID the loose earth, and after making small
circle, returning for more food. When en-
gagged in eating, he employs his flexible
:, snout in a singular manner to thrust the foos
. .s in his mouth, doubling it under so as to forct
:, It directly backwards. When he has OBJ
il tanned one piece of meat, he will not rein
:. quish it even for the sake of earth worms o
other favorite food; he is also fond o. bury
i ing himself when he has received any thini
- in order to cat it undisturbed."
", ConsolQ.ion.--A poor woman meeting
( friend just after the death of her husband
k most kindly accepted the gentleman's con
,r dolence, who failed not to amalgamate th
n, same with liberal portion of praise of th
er dcfunct's excellent qualities, s,-"You are in
deed kind" quoth the sighing widow, "'ti
1t all trsc, and console myself 10 the firm be
n lief that the poor fellow is happy In Beelze
,e bulbs BOSOM" may! in Abraham's bosom
I'd you mean?' "Well, sir" innocently res
is gonded Martha, II dare say you are right
IS for my part | know very little about thos
if great folks names"
ed