1288 THE RODENTS 



ing to Arab reports, the whole colony takes part in the construction of the burrows, 

 and at the slightest sound the animals immediately take refuge in their retreats 

 In walking gently the jerboa moves one foot after the other, but directly the pace 

 is quickened, it progresses by means of leaps, and so rapid then are its movements, 

 that travelers liken them to the flight of a bird. When leaping, the tail is carried 

 stuck out nearly straight behind. The jerboa is very impatient of rain and damp, 

 and when such conditions are prevalent it relapses into a kind of torpid condition, 

 analogous to the hibernation of species inhabiting more northern regions. 



According to Brehm, very little is definitely known regarding the breeding of 

 this species. The Arabs state that it forms a nest from its own fur within the laby- 

 rinths of its burrow, where from two to four young are produced at a birth. 



The Arabs capture these tiny creatures by stopping up all the entrances to a 

 burrow except one, where they place a net, and then digging down into the central 

 chamber, when the jerboas are either caught in the nets or by the hands of their 

 pursuers. Many are thus taken alive, while the flesh of those killed is eaten. The 

 chief foes of the jerboa, next to men, are fennecs, caracals, and owls, by all of which 

 large numbers are destroyed. 



This jerboa, like its allies of Central Asia, is easily tamed, and from its beauti- 

 ful form and delicate build, as well as its engaging manners, is always highly 

 esteemed as a pet by its owner. In its wild state the jerboa eats not only leaves, 

 fruits, and seeds, but likewise insects and carrion. 



THE AFRICAN JUMPING HARK 

 Genus Pedetes 



By far the largest representative of the long-limbed 

 members of the family is the South-African species, 

 designated by the Cape colonists, inappropriately, the 

 jumping hare the springhaas of the Boers. This animal 

 {Pedetes caffer) constitutes not only a distinct genus, but 

 also a separate subfamily; being distinguished from the 

 jerboas by the following characteristics. In the neck the 

 whole of the seven vertebrae are separate; the hind-feet 

 have four toes, and their comparatively-short metatarsal 

 bones are not united; while the cheek-teeth, of which 

 there are four on each side of the jaws, do not develop roots. 



In size the jumping hare may be compared with the 

 common hare, to which it also approximates in general 

 coloration; the length of the head and body being about 

 twenty-four inches, and that of the tail rather more. The 

 head is relatively large, with long, pointed ears; the fore- 

 limbs are proportionately longer than in the jerboas, and 

 the long tail is thickly haired throughout its extent. 



SKELETON OF AFRICAN There are five toes > provided with long, sharp claws on the 

 JUMPING HARE. fore-feet, while in the hind-feet the claws are wider and 



