THE MOUSE GERBILLE 



The Mungoose, Muishond, the Wild Cats, 

 Jackals and other carnivorous animals thin the 

 ranks of the Fat Mice ; and last, but by no means 

 least, the snakes take a heavy toll. Amongst snakes, 

 the Cobra takes the largest share in the hunting 

 down of the Fat Mouse. This podgy little denizen 

 of the open veld-lands is even preyed upon by man 

 for food, for the natives of Mozambique relish it 

 exceedingly, and, in consequence, hunt it with 

 great diligence. 



Genus : Malacothrix 



There are two species of mice in this genus in- 

 habiting South Africa. They are known as Mouse 

 Gerbilles, and the only outward difference between 

 them and the Fat Mouse of the genus Steatomys is 

 that in the former the tarsus, which is the portion 

 of the leg just above the toes, and in man is repre- 

 sented by the ankle, is more hairy than the tarsus 

 of the Fat Mouse (Steatomys). 



THE MOUSE GERBILLE 



(Malacothrix typicus) 



This Mouse Gerbille is an inhabitant of the Cape 

 Province, principally towards the west. It has been 

 found as far east as the district of Graaff Reinet. 

 It is pale brown above, and white below, with slaty 

 bases to the fur. Head and body about 3 inches 



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