NEODON SIKIMENSIS. 217 



and below disposed in a regular compact series with slightly elevated 

 ridges or folds; anterior grinders of the upper jaw larger than the 

 others, and having an additional ridge more than Arvicola. Molars of 

 lower jaw more v;niform, with a very slight decrease posteriorly, other- 

 wise as in Arvicolco. 



This genus is very close to Arvicola,. I have not had an opportunity 

 of examining the teeth. 



203. Neodon sikimensis. 

 Hodgson, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 1849. — Blyth, Cat. p. 125. 

 The Sikim Vole. 



Descr. — Fur very soft and silky ; above deep brownish-black, with a 

 slight rusty shade, minutely and copiously grizzled with hairs of a deep 

 ferruginous tint, giving a general shade of dark rufescent-brown ; beneath 

 dark bluisli-gray or ashy, with a slight ferruginous or fulvous shade. 

 All four feet very slender. Ears moderate, hairy. 



Length of one, head and body 4| inches ; tail 1^ ; head 1^ ; hind-foot 

 |ths. Another was 5 inches long. The female has six teats. 



This Vole differs from the last in its much darker tints. It has only 

 been procured in Sikim, near Darjeeling, at heights varying from 7,000 

 to 15,000 feet. It is said by Hodgson to breed in hollow decayed 

 trees, or among the roots of trees, making a saucer-shaped nest of moss 

 or soft grass. The female brings forth three or four young only. 



Compared with the Arvicola, it is more a denizen of forests. Mr. 

 Atkinson found it under fallen trees and stones, ou the top of Tonglo, 

 near Darjeeling, 10,000 feet; whence, also, I had a specimen brought me. 



Some of this family are nearly related to the Beavers, and the fur of 

 one, Fiber zibethicus, the JIusqaash or Oudara of North America, is 

 highly prized. It has semi-palmated hind-feet and a long scaly tail. 

 The Lemmings, My odes, are another well-known genu.s oi Arvicolince. 

 They occur in the northern parts of both continents in immense num- 

 bers, and theii" migratory habits are familiar to all. They quite resemble 

 voles, but are more heavily foi'med, with very short ears and tail. They 

 have five distinct nails on the fore-feet. 



The peculiar genus Geomys perhaps belongs to this sub-family, Blyth 

 described a rhaioiiiys leuciirus, from Tibet. 



