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XXI. Defcriptions of the Mus Burfarlus and Tubidaria Magnifica;from. 

 Drawings communicated by Major-Gemral Thomas Davies, F.R.S. 

 ^ L.S, By George Shaw, M. D. F. R. S. F, P. L. S. 



Read June ^^ 1799- 



THE Mus burfarius belongs to a particular divifion in the genus, 

 containing fuch fpecies as are furnifhed with cheek-pouches 

 for the temporary reception of their food. It feems not to have 

 been yet defcribed, or at leaft not fo diftin£tly as to be eafily afcer- 

 tained. It approaches however to one or two fpecies mentioned by 

 Dr. Pallas, Mr. Pennant, and others ; but differs in fize, being 

 much larger, as well as in the appearance of the fore-feet, which 

 have claws differently formed from any of the pouched fpecies 

 hitherto defcribed. 



In order to fecure its knowledge among NaturaUfts, it may be 

 proper to form for it a fpecific charadler, viz, 



Mus cinereus, caudti tereti hrevi fubnuda, genis faccatis, unguibus pal- 

 marum maximis fojforiis. 



Alh-coloured rat, with fhort round nearly naked tail, pouched 

 cheeks, and the claws of the fore-feet very large, formed for 

 burrowing in the ground. 



The cheek-pouches are far larger in proportion to the animal 

 than in any other of this tribe, and therefore have given occafion 

 for the fpecific name. 



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