Cassell's Natural History, London Cassell & Company, Limited, 1896, animals, shrew, nomenclature, common shrew, animal behavior Sorex minutus, Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens, Eurasian pygmy shrew, Eurasian water shrew, A tranquil natural scene depicting several species of shrews in a lush environment. In the foreground, the water reflects the shapes of two shrews, one with a slender body near the edge and the other partially submerged. Nearby, a third shrew rests on the bank, while a fourth is visible slightly further back, nestled among the vegetation. Surrounding them are tall grasses and tropical leaves, creating a dense backdrop. The presence of a butterfly perched on a leaf adds a touch of whimsy to the serene habitat, illustrating a moment of wildlife interaction in a vibrant ecosystem.