DATRA THE MUSKRAT: At the Pond, Vol. III

In the third of these interrelated stories (see p. 681, J-235) Russell follows an aging muskrat through a year of consuming crises: a spring flood, a severe illness, battles with rival muskrats and other animals, and finally -- after an encounter with human hunters -- an ""immense tiredness"" and awareness of old age. As usual there is no commentary, generalization, or human perspective, but Russell is as usual very good at what he does, which is to individualize (just short of anthropomorphism) and vivify a life in nature with fidelity and restraint.