THE MOUSE.
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.