10 FAUNA AND FLORA OF PALESTINF. 



FAMIT.Y, HYSTRICID.E. 



Hystracinas. 



30. Hystrix cristata. L. Syst. Nat. i., p. 76. Porcupine. Heb. 

 *n3p, generic. Arab. ,j---J, Nis. 



The Porcupine is common in all the rocky districts and mountain 

 glens, though from its nocturnal habits seldom seen. It is especially 

 abundant in the gorges abutting on the Jordan valley, where its quills 

 may be gathered in considerable quantity at any time. The Arabs pursue 

 it for the sake of its flesh, which is considered a great delicacy. The 

 Porcupine is found throughout Southern Europe, from Spain to Turkey, 

 and on the south of the Mediterranean, from the Gambia and Morocco to 

 Egypt. Syria seems to be its Eastern limit. 



31. Hystrix hirsutirostris. Brandt. Mem. Acad. Petersb. 1835, I. 

 375. Asiatic Porcupine. 



Wagner states that this species is a native of Syria, and that he 

 obtained it near Jerusalem. I have not met with it, but cannot doubt the 

 authority of so careful an observer. It is found in India and Persia. 



FAMILY, MURID^. 

 Mouse, generic. Heb. "IS^V. Arab. _^U, Far. 



32. Acomys cahirhinus. (Geoffr. Descript. de I'Egypte, pi. v., fig. 2.) 

 Porcupine Mouse. 



Plate III. 2. 



Confined in Palestine to the Dead Sea basin and the ravines abutting 

 on it. We trapped it as far up the country as Mar Saba. Common In 

 Egypt. 



33. Acomys diinidia/us. Riipp. Atlas, p. ^y, tab. 13. 



Plate III. 3. 



More abundant than the former species, but, so far as our observation 

 goes, not extending up the rocky ravines. It may be seen on the gravel 

 and sand in the day-time. Its range extends through Nubia, Egypt, 

 and Arabia Petraea. 



