Naturalist.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 349, 15 January 1903, Page 2

Naturalist.

HOW A WATER EAT. SWIMS. ■SfcN Germany a close Btudy is being m|b trade of the manner in which various •gi M.imals BwiiH, and pictures have bae-n made to slow how the water rat swiniH, both when he is at his ease and when an enemy is pursuing him, . . Whilt' Le is looking for prey and scents' no datgw, this wily little animal goes through trie water leisurely,*" but"' the moment he sees or hears an e'nemy he changes his attitude and daltl away, breasting the water at a great rate. Moreover, it is a singular fact that not only water rats, but all. other rats and mice which live near the water, are splendid swimmers and, thanks to their skilly are frequently enabled to escape from their enemies.

APES. Several of the higher apes share with a man the involuntary habit of blushing The blush of an ape extends over a larger portion of. body than that£of a human being. Any sudden shock, or pleabure, or surprise, or a fit of anger, will bring out a vivid blueb. on the face of an mals which perspire through the skin are more, or less capable of blushing, for a flash on the skin is simply the result of a rush of blood, due to relaxation of the muscUs controlliEg the vessels underlying the skin, '