SAND MOLE 99 



Sub-family CRICETIN^. 

 Genus MYSTROMYS. 



Fur soft and woolly. Ears large and broad. Tail short. 



The White-tailed Mouse (Mystromys albipes albi- 

 caudatus) is brownish grey above and paler below, the 

 tail, feet, nose, and chin being white. Body plump, 

 hence its name of "Fat Mouse" sometimes used by 

 authors. The Zoo possessed a pair from a cave near 

 Krugersdorp, presented by Dr. H. Lyster Jameson, 

 which bred freely and reared a number of litters. Four 

 appeared to be the usual number, and the young hung 

 on to their mother's teats while she stalked about in a 

 most unconcerned manner. 



Family BATHYEKGIDJ^. 



Rodents with a short tail and legs, tiny eyes and no 

 ear conch. They are adapted for an underground ex- 

 istence. Two genera inhabit South Africa. Batliyergus 

 with the upper incisor teeth grooved ; claws strong. 

 Georychus with the upper incisors smooth; claws smaller. 



Bathyergus maritimus (= suillus). Sand Mole. Zand 

 Mol, and Duinmol. 



Colour greyish, browner on the back. Fur thick and 

 woolly. Head pointed, a bare flesh-coloured area round the 

 nostril, and reaching the upper lip. Ear-conches absent, 

 being mere circular apertures surrounded by bare skin. 

 Legs short, claws strong and well developed for digging. 

 The incisor teeth are white and prominent, the upper 

 being also grooved ; they are visible owing to their 

 length and the shortness of the lips. Tail short and 

 covered on the sides with white bristle-like hairs. Length 

 of head and body from 12 to 16 inches ; tail 1| inches. 



