118 



Mr. 0. Thomas on a new Vole from China. 



Teeth (see fig.) remarkable, like those of M. melanogaster, 

 M.-Edvv.*, and the members of the subgenus EvotomySj for 

 the fact that in several cases dentine spaces are opposite to and 



Molars of Microtiis chinensis. The inner side of each tooth-row is 

 to the right. Magnified 8 diameters. 



conmiunicate with one another, instead of being alternate and 

 separated. Although the specimen is fully adult, there is no 

 sign of the formation of roots to the teeth. 



The following is the molar pattern, so far as simple nume- 

 ration will express its characters : — 



Upper M\ 4 spaces, 3 external and 3 internal angles. 

 M- 4 3 2 



M^ .5 4 5 



Lower M^ 7 „ 4 „ 5 „ „ 



„ M , 3 „ 3 ,, ^ „ „ 



„ M', 3 „ 3 „ 3 „ „ 



In the present controversial state of our systematic know- 

 ledge of the Voles I am not prepared to say to which of the 

 known species M. chinensis is most nearly related ; but the 

 number of its mamma? and foot-pads and the presence of five 

 prominent internal angles to m^ appear to distinguish it from 

 all allied forms. 



In some respects it seems to be annectant between Evo- 

 tomys and the other Voles, the structure of its palate and 

 some of its dental characters showing striking affinities to the 

 former, far as its rootless teeth, fewer rnamnife, and different 

 external form separate it from any of the known members of 

 that group. 



* Figured by Blaufurd, J. A. S. B. 1. pi. ii. fig. A (1881). 



