THE HARVEST MOUSE
(Micromys minutus)
One of the most delightful of the smaller mammals found in Europe is the sandy hued harvest mouse. So small and light that a corn stem does not bend beneath it - it is a wonderful acrobat - its climbing ability being enhanced by its prehensile tail. In Britain today it is chiefly found in south eastern England - where in summer it frequents the cornfields - building a neat nest slung between the stems of the grain. In Winter it seeks refuge in hedges - ditches - and even the stacks - though the latter retreat is only a temporary one - as it is driven out at threshing time.