332 MamMALIA OF INDIA. 
it tapers to a point, finely ringed; sparsely haired between the rings, the 
hairs more numerous and longer towards the tips. The length of the 
head, according to Dr. Anderson, whose description (‘ Anat. and Zool. 
Res.’ p. 313) is more complete than Jerdon’s, is about one-third the 
length of the body ; the muzzle is moderately long and slightly con- 
tracted behind the moustachial area; eyes large ; ears ovate, sparsely 
clad. 
Size.—Head and body, from 24 to 3 inches; tail one-half longer than 
the combined length of body and head. 
Jerdon says of this pretty little mouse that “‘it is most abundant in 
the south of India, where it frequents trees, and very commonly palm- 
trees, on which it is said to make its nest generally. It, however, 
occasionally places its nest in the thatch of houses, on beams, &c. 
It is very active, and from its habits difficult to procure” (‘ Mammals 
of India,’ p. 202). According to Sykes it constructs its nest of olera- 
ceous herbs in the fields, and Hodgson states it to tenant woods and 
coppices in Nepal. 
No. 351. Mus NILAGIRICUS. 
The Neilgherry Tree Mouse ( Jerdon’s No. 185). ° 
Hasirat.—Ootacamund. 
Description.—‘ Above deep but bright chestnut brown, beneath 
bright fawn yellow, with a distinct line of demarcation between the two 
colours ; head rather elongated ; ears long, oval; tail somewhat hairy.” 
—Jerdon. 
SizE.—Head and body, 3} inches ; tail, 5 inches. 
This tree mouse was discovered and named by Dr. Jerdon. He 
says: “‘ The first I observed was brought into the house bya cat. I[after- 
wards, on two or three occasions, found the nest, a mass of leaves and 
grass, on shrubs and low trees, from four to five feet from the ground, 
and on one occasion it was occupied by at least eight or ten apparently 
full-grown mice.” 
No. 352. Mus BADIUS. 
The Bay Tree Mouse. 
Hapirat.—tThe valley of the Sittang, Burmah. 
DescrIPTION.—< Similar to JZ. oleraceus, but with the eye fully twice 
as large, and black whiskers; colour of the upper parts a more rufous 
chestnut or cinnamon hue, of the lower parts white, almost pure.”— 
Blyth. 
S1ze,.—Head and body, 3 inches; tail, 4% inches. 
