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VI. On a new Genus of the Order Rodentia. By Joshua Brookes, 
— Esq., F.R.S. and L.S. Communicated by the Zoological Club 
of the Linnean Society. 
Read June 3rd and 17th, 1828. 
Tue science of Natural History is of so unbounded an extent, 
that perhaps I may be allowed, comparatively speaking, to say, 
that scarcely a day passes without an opportunity being afforded 
to zoologists of bringing to light unknown instances of its latent 
treasures. : 
The animal which I am at present about to describe has been 
in my possession for several years; and although there is strong _ 
evidence of its being new to science, as far as relates to a know- 
ledge of its real structure, yet, from a variety of circumstances, 
I have neglected to avail myself of the means so long afforded 
me; and possibly now it may only be in consequence of the 
approaching dispersion of my collection that a stimulus is given 
to exertions, which otherwise might have remained dormant. 
- The individual in question, which appears to be unique, was 
obtained, when recently dead, from Mr. Cross, in whose Viva- 
rium at Exeter Change it had been seen while living, and espe- 
cially noticed, both by M. de Blainville and by M. F. Cuvier. 
Each of these distinguished naturalists has described its general 
characters and habits; but, unacquainted with its:real struc- 
ture, they have failed in referring it to its correct situation in 
Nature. By each of them it has been erroneously placed among 
the Jerboas, under the name of Dipus maximus. The latter 
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