BY CMVK LOKD, K.I,.S. 75 



Hydromys chrysogaster, Geoffrey. 



Hydromys chrysof/aftter, Geoffrey, Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat., p. 

 90 (1805). 



Orange-bellied Water Rat. 

 Owing; to the outstanding characteristics of the genus, 

 its aquatic habits, and distinctive colouration, this species 

 has not become confused with other forms, and the synonymy 

 is simple. It is a fairly common species in localities suit- 

 able to its habits. 



Genus Rattus. 

 Rattiis Intreola, Gray. 



M71S lutrcola, Gray, Grey's travels in N.W. and W. Au.st. 



App., p. 409. 



Dusky-footed Rat. 



The Dusky-footed rat of Tasmania and South-Eastern 

 Australia is usually referred to as Rattus fnscipes {= Mus 

 fuscipes), but Mr. Oldfield Thomas has pointed out to us 

 that R. fnscipes should be retained for the West Australian 

 form, and that the Tasmanian rat is Rattus lutreola. It 

 is generally found in the vicinity of water, and can swim 

 well. 



Rattus vchitinus, Thomas. 

 Mus veiutimis, Thomas, A.M.N.H., IX., p. 415 (1882). 



Mrts castaneus, Higgins & Petterd, P. & P. Roy. Soc. Ta.s., 



p. 183 (1883). 



This rather distinctive species shows a general coloura- 

 tion of from grey to chestnut, the ears, feet, and tail some- 

 times being brownish in colour. We are of the opinion that 

 the type of Mus costaneus of Iliggins and Petterd was 

 really a male of R. vebitiinis. 



Pseudomys higgivsi. 

 Mks Icucopus, Higgins & Petterd. P. <fc P. Roy Soc. Tc\s.. 

 p. 124, 1882, and 1883, p. 186. 



Long-tailed Rat. 

 This species is one of the commonest rodents of the 

 Tasmanian bush. It is often found high up on the moun- 

 tains as well as on the plains. Note revised description of 

 this species by Lord (P. & P. Roy. Soc. Tas., l;i'jj,j)|».o5.57) 



