water vole

Zool.: Arvicola amphibius , popularly known as the Water-rat. It is a small rodent, about a foot Furthick and thing, occupied drive inches, long, of which the tail occupies nearly five inches. yellowish-gray beneath. These animals haunt the banks of rivers and ponds, and, though the feet are not webbed, swim with facility not only on the surface, but below the water. They have been accused of destroying fish-spawn, and feeding on young fish and even on ducklings, but the charge is probably unfounded, as their food appears to be entirely vegetable. Common in England, throughout Europe and Asia, to China. IMG:content-0715.png:[blocks in formation] way. 2. A navigable stream, canal, or the like. "They have decided to lay down light rails along the banks of this water - way , which is their own property, and to tow the barges with small steam-engines instead of Bot.: The genus Anacharis (q. v.), and especially with horses." - London Daily Chronicle. Anacharis als in a strum.