68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



though not black, rats. There are two prevailing types of 

 coloration, which may be termed " peppers " and " mustards," 

 that all our rats belong to. These bear a tolerably close 

 resemblance to the colour of the two familiar breeds of 

 Dandie Dinmont dogs. I have skins of yellow rats from 

 Dalbeattie, and although these were taken in a quite wild 

 state, I believe they were escapes, or the immediate relatives 

 of such. 



COMMON FIELD VOLE (Microtns agrestis}. In the 

 "Annals" for 1893, p. I I 2, I described a leucotic variation 

 of this species. Although during the plague of the first few 

 years of the 'QO'S I saw these animals in myriads, above was 

 the only variety noticed. The herds reported an occasional 

 pied individual. I believe the hill voles are distinguishable 

 by their dull smoky gray tints from the voles of the low 

 pasture lands and shore districts, which are always brighter 

 and ruddier. 



WATER VOLE (Microtus amphibius}. The black Water 

 Voles are found in all shades from dark brown to glossy jet 

 black, and one with the shining coal black fur is a very 

 handsome creature indeed. Near Thornhill a number of 

 individuals with regular small white spots were once procured, 

 and I saw these in the collection of the late Dr. Grierson. 



Pied Water Voles are found now and then, and this 

 variation is figured on the plate. This specimen was taken 

 near Lochmaben. The shoulders and fore-legs, all the feet 

 and a part of the tail, are white ; the remainder of the fur is 

 normal. This species is easily domesticated, or at least can 

 be easily kept in confinement, and it breeds in captivity. I 

 have often wondered why some one with the requisite time 

 and inclination does not take the Water Vole in hand, and 

 evolve another fancy pet. 



In a purely wild state its variability is unusually active, 

 and there seems little doubt this tendency might be 

 strengthened in a captive race. 



COMMON HARE (Lep2is Europeans). I have records of 

 both albino and melanic hares, but these are of old date 

 now. The species has become so scarce, that " white " and 

 " black " hares will soon be a mere tradition. 



