110 RODENTIA. 



by a double row of hairs, which are black for a great portion 

 of their length, white at their ends ; this white part of the 

 tuft appears to encroach upon the black in an angular form ; 

 the fur is very soft and sleek. 



Length of head and body, 6 inches 9 lines ; head, 1 inch 

 10^ lines ; tail, without the hair, 10 inches 1 line. — F. M. 



Burrows in the earth ; passes the winter in a state of 

 torpor. Eeeds principally on grass, roots, and fruits ; but 

 at times attacks young birds, insects, and even animals of 

 its own species. The female breeds several times in the 

 year. Its speed is said to equal that of a fleet horse, and 

 is attained by a rapid succession of extraordinarily long 

 leaps. It uses its tail as an additional support when 

 sitting. 



Inhabits Southern Eussia, from the Danube and Don to 

 the Jaik, and is not uncommon in the Crimea. Is found 

 also in Tartary. 



Dipus Acontion. 



Dipus Acontion, Pallas, Zoog. Eoss. As. 

 Bipus minutus, Desm. Mamm. Sp. 512. 



Desceiption. — Hind-feet with five toes ; ears longer than 

 the head ; much resembling the B. jacidus in general pro- 

 portions, but smaller. Upper parts of the body pale 

 yellowish grey, mixed mth brown, which last coloiu^ be- 

 comes more prevalent towards the rump ; parts beneath, and 

 the crescents on the hind quarters, white ; the muzzle is of 

 the same colour as the body above, not white at the tip, 

 as in the last species. 



Length of head and body, 4 inches 3 Knes ; head, 1 inch 

 3 lines ; tail, without the hairs, 5 inches 1 Hue. — F. M. 



Inhabits the same countries and places as the Dipus 

 jaculus. 



