Volume 22, Plate XXII / Mammalia (Mammals)

Dormouse

Myoxus avellanarius

A beautiful little animal allied to the squirrels but smaller, of compact full form with rather large head, prominent nose, short rounded ears, long tail, and very soft dense fur of light yellowish-red paling beneath, the throat nearly white. Climbing nimbly yet passing much time on the ground, it feeds on grass, corn, and small fruits, builds a round grassy nest in bushes, and after fattening rolls up torpid for winter, bearing four or five young.