76 ON llli: TASMAMAN ML'UID.K 



Genus Mtiatacomns. 



Mastacomys fuscus, Thomas. 



Mastacomys fuscus, Thomas, A.M.N.H., p. 414, No. 04, 'AY. 

 Ser. (18S2). 



Broad -toothed Rat. 



This species is remai-kable for the exceptional broaden- 

 ing of the molars. As far as is known at present, this 

 species is confined to Tasmania, but fossil remains of a 

 similar form have been found in the Wellin<>ton Valley caves 

 of New South Wales. 



With regard to other species fui'ther research is needed, 

 but the foregoing are the only ones that we propose tc 

 recognise as valid indigenous Tasmanian forms, until 

 further research shows the validity of other species. 



In 1882 and 1S83 Higgins and Petterd described no "ess 

 than eight new species, as follows: — 



1. MuH (/risco-c(£ruleus (Blue Rat). 



2. Mun leucopun (Short-tailed Rat). 



3. Mus variabilis^ (Swan's Rat). 



4. Mus simsniii (Simson's Rat). 



5. M»s pachyurus (Thick-tailed Rat). 



6. Mus castanciis (Chestnut coloured Rat). 



7. MuH tomareusis (Tasmanian Water Rat). 



H. Mus tctrayounruH (Quadrangular-tailed Rat). 



Of the above we are of the opinion that at lea.st 

 M. grisco-caerulcus, M. variabilis, and probably M. tamarensia 

 are synonymous with li. rattus. The British Museum 

 specimens of M. simsoui show this supposed species to be 

 merely the introduced M. mnscnlus. 



