980 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XIX. 



injuries as the flesh wound in the neck was not nearly severe enough to cause 



its death, although it might have done so in a few days if mortification had 



set in." 



The above gives us some reason to doubt if the gentlemen, one reads of 



who pull hyifinas out of caves by the hind legs, were not luckier than they 



knew. 



W. M. F. PENDELBURY. 



Jalna, 2Uh October 1909. 



No. v.— MOTTLED POLECAT {PUTORIUS SARMATICUS) 



AT BANNU. 



An example of the Mottled Polecat (^Putorius sarmaticus) was recently 

 sent me by Mr. Harris, Assistant Commissioner and Political Agent, Bannu. 

 It had been caught by Bannuchi Zemindars about three miles from Bannu in 

 sugar-cane crops. 



Mr. Harris informs me that this is the second example brought to him by 

 the natives, the first having been caught in a desert tract under the hills ; 

 so the species is, possibly, not very rare in this district. 



The one sent me I now have in captivity. It does not appear to be quite 

 up to the measurements given in the " Fauna," and may be an immature 

 specimen. It differs from the "Fauna's" description in having the muzzle 

 and chin white and the back of the head and nape a brownish white. 



In habits it is sluggish and disposed to sleep all day, but at night becomes 

 active, running up and down its cage and tearing at the wire netting with 

 teeth and claws. When suddenly disturbed, by day, it becomes savage and 

 utters a growling noise, very similar to that of a fox-terrier pup of a few 

 Aveeks old when irritated. 



It thrives on raw meat and milk, and dead birds are especially appreciated 



being devoured bones and all. A live quail introduced into its cage, by day. 



was not touched ; in fact, if anything, it appeared afraid of the intruder. I 



have not yet been able to secure a live rat with which to further test its 



killing propensities. 



H. A. F. MAGRATH, Major. 

 Bannu, September 1909. 



No, VI.— A GOOD HEAD OF HODGSON'S WILD SHEEP. 



( With a Plate.) 

 I send you a photograph of the head of an Ovis ammon hodgsoni whicli 

 was shot at Dochen in Tibet in July 1907. The following are the measure- 

 ments of the horns : — 



Length, 

 Right. Left. 

 45i" 49" 



Circumference. 



Right. Left. 



19" 19" 



F. M. BAILEY. 



Gyantse Tibet, A2nil 1909. 



