EATS AND MICE. 71 



They inhabit the rocky sides of valleys, are very voracious and 

 are easily trapped. They do little or no damage to crops, their fav- 

 ourite food being carrion and other aniinal refuse. Tliey have been 

 known to attack sick people, and some grisly tales are told of wood 

 cutters or charcoal burners, who, working alone in out of the way 

 places, and having fallen ill, have been horribly gnawed before help 

 could reach them. 



The three forms found in Shantung, Shansi, Shensi and Kansu 

 are sub-species of the Sze-chuan form Epymis confucianus. The 

 Shantung species, Epymis confucianus sacer is larger and heavier 

 than the others. The Shensi and Shansi form is a pale coloured 

 animal called Epymis confucianus luticolor; while the Kansu species 

 Epymis confucianus canorus is intermediate between the E. c. sacer 

 and E. confucianus. 



One other rat belonging to this genus and found in the North 

 China area is Epymis ling, which is very much yellower in colour than 

 E. confucianus. 



The Woodmouse (Apodemns speciosus). 



The third genus, Apodcmiis, contains the wood and fieldmice. 

 Of tjiese the woodmouse (Apodcmus speciosus pcninsidcc) is perhaps 

 the commonest. Rat-like in appearance this animal is very much 

 smaller than the common rat and is found in mountainous and well- 

 wooded country. Its range extends from Western Kansu to Eastern 

 Chihli and from North Shansi to South Shensi. It may be found 

 wherever there are woody, or even scrub covered hills, ranging from 



