of a Species of Jerboa. — 281 
have observed their manners by night, in moonlight nights, 
taking my station on a plain, and remaining for some time with 
as little motion as possible. I was soon surrounded by hundreds 
at the distance of a few yards; but on rising from my seat, the 
whole disappeared in an instant, nor did they venture forth again 
for ten minutes after, and then with much caution and circum- 
spection. 
A tribe of low Hindus, called Kinjer; whose occupation is 
hunting, go in quest of these animals at proper seasons, to plun- 
der their hoards of grain; and often, within the space of twenty 
yards square, find as much corn in the ear as could be crammed 
into a common bushel. They inhabit dry situations, and are 
often found at the distance of some miles out of the reach of 
water to drink. In confinement this animal soon becomes re- 
conciled to its situation, and docile; sleeps much in the day, 
but when awake feeds as freely as by night. The Hindus above 
mentioned esteem them good and: nutritious food. Ath 
VOL. VII. 20 — X. Characters 
