THE HYDROMYS. 



75 



mal closely approximates to the true rats, as also in 

 general form and structure : the eyes are large ; the ears 

 are ample and broad, and furnished with an internal pro- 

 jecting membrane, which when its edges are approxi- 

 mated entirely shuts the entrance of the auditory opening. 

 The fur is thick and soft, and the general tone of colour- 

 ing is a clouded yellow tint, becoming yellowish-white 

 on the under parts. Length of head and body about six 

 and a half inches ; of tail, nearly three inches. (Fig. 

 43.) Of the habits and manners of this animal we have 

 no definite information. 



The Hydromys 



{Hydromys leucogaster and chrysogaster). 

 Though we refer the genus Hydromys to the MuridcB, 

 it differs in dentition from the other members of that 



44.— Teeth of Hydromys 



