318 MAMMALIA OF INDIA. 
and by Dr. Anderson, who made several experiments with these rats in 
captivity. He says: “Totest this aquatic power, I had two rats placed 
in a large wire birdcage, and the cage partially submerged ; if the rats, 
when in those circumstances, were much annoyed, they immediately 
dived to the bottom of the cage, where they could be observed running 
about under water. I also had them removed from the cage, and let 
loose in the large shéet of water in the Zoological Gardens, between 
the two iron bridges. When let loose at the bank, and an attempt was 
made to catch them, they immediately dived; and the stronger of the 
two did not appear at the surface for some, time, when it was observed 
at a considerable distance from the bank making for the opposite side.” 
In confinement these rats are not engaging pets; they show a con- 
siderable amount of surliness and ferocity. I have noticed that on 
approaching the bars of the cage, one would grind its teeth, put back 
its ears, and fly at you with a grunt. 
No. 327. NESOKIA BARCLAYIANA. 
Barclay’s Field-Rat. 
Hapitat.—Northern India, the North-west and some parts of 
Bengal (Purneah) and Assam. 
Description.—General colour brownish ; under surface silvery grey ; 
feet and muzzle flesh-colour ; tail nearly black ; claws horny white; a 
white band from the nose through the eye; muzzle short and bluff; 
forehead slightly arched ; tail exceeding the length of the trunk, but not 
equal to head and body, ringed, and sparsely clad; fur coarse ; piles 
moderately long. 
SizE.—Head and body, about 8? inches ; tail, 74 inches. 
This rat was first discovered by Dr. Arthur Barclay at Goona in 
Central India, and apparently it appears to be identical with specimens 
collected at Srinagar in Kashmir, in the Purneah district, and in 
Cachar. 
The next two-have usually been classed as true M/ws, and the latter 
is to be found in Jerdon ; but, from the breadth of the incisors and the 
lamination of the molars, which are less sinuous and relatively larger 
than in AZus, and from other characteristics of the skull, they are nearer 
allied to /Vesokia than to the true rats. 
No. 328. Mus (NESOKIA) ELLIOTANUS. 
Liltiot’s Field-Rat. 
Hasitat.—Bengal, Assam, Khasia hills. 
DESCRIPTION.—This rat is thus described by Dr. Anderson. It is 
the nearest approach in size to the bandicoot : “ Head short and deep ; 
