iQog.] R. E. Lloyd : The Races of Indian Rats. 63- 



than white, and in some the bases of the ventral hairs are hght 

 grey. In spite of this it would give a false impression to say that 

 every intermediate stage can readily be found between the members 

 of this and of the former group. 



As regards the colour of the upper surface there is much variety ; 

 all are of a reddish brown colour but some are of that clear red tint 

 which recall§ the colour of the common English fox or squirrel. In 

 some the black bristles are longer and more conspicuous than in 

 others, so that the middle Hue of the back is of a much darker tone 

 than the sides. Spines may be plentiful or absent. 



Mangalore. 



The District Medical Officer has sent thirteen Mus rattus, 

 one young bandicoot, and two shrews. The specimens were re- 

 cei\'ed in alcohol without measurements. 



Mng. I — 



Includes eleven specimens of the dark-bellied type of Mus 

 rattus. Measurements of the spirit specimens show that they do 

 not differ in size or proportions from the Mus rattus of many other 

 parts of India; the average length is about 175 mm., and the 

 average tail length about 210 mm. Since the collection is in spirit 

 it is difficult to appreciate the colour of the fur ; in most of the speci- 

 mens it appears to be of the common reddish brown tint; spines 

 and bristles are present in some, less conspicuous in others. 



Mng. 2 — 



Includes two specimens which differ from those of the former 

 group in being of the pure white-bellied tj^pe. These two speci- 

 mens resemble one another very closely, except that in one 

 of them the soles of the feet are deeply pigmented, while in the 

 other they are light grey. 



Mng. 3, Bandicota sp. — 



This is a remarkable rat ; unfortunately it is not fully grown 

 but the third molar is cut and slightly worn so that it is not far 

 from maturit)'. It must be regarded as a bandicoot because of 

 the large size of its feet and the characters of the skull ; it, how- 

 ever, differs from all other bandicoots met with, in being small 

 and possessing a long tail. The measurements of the spirit 

 specimen are 165, 185, 44, 22. The fur is coarse and bristl}' as in 

 other bandicoots. The last centimetre of the tail is pure white. 

 The skull closely resembles that of the bandicoot from Ootacamund ; 

 it measures 1. 44, b. 25'5, n. 16, p.f. 8"5, mis. 10. 



Chitur (N. Arcot). 

 Cr. I— 



We have received from Mr. A. P. Fernandez measurements 

 and skins of fourteen specimens of Mus rattus. The measure- 



