44 MUSK RAT. 



which they principally emerge by night. They 

 are of a prolific nature, and the females are fur- 

 nished with numerous teats. Some species are 

 migratory ; others local or attached to the same 

 residence. Lastly, some are of an uncouth form 

 and disagreeable appearance, while others are re- 

 markable for the elegance of their aspect and co- 

 lours. In the 12th edition of the Systema Na- 

 turae, Linnaeus included in this genus the Jerboas, 

 the Cavys, and several other animals which are 

 now formed into distinct genera. This mode of 

 distribution might perhaps be carried still farther; 

 the habit or appearance of some species differing 

 very considerably from that of the major part of 

 the tribe. 



With flattened Tails. 



MUSK RAT. 



Mus Zibethicus. M. cauda longa compresso-lonceolata, pedibus 



fasis. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 125. 

 Ferruginous-brown Rat, with long compressed-lanceolate tail, 



and unwebbed feet. 



Rat musque. Sarrasin act. Paris, 1725. p. 323. t. n.f. i, 2. 

 Castor zibethicus. Lin. Syst. Nat. ed. 12. p. 79. 

 Ondatra. Buff. 10. p. i.pl. i. 

 Musk Beaver. Pennant Quadr. 2. p. 119. 



IN the Memoirs of the French Academy of 

 Sciences for the year 1725 there is a complete and 

 excellent description of this animal by Mons. 







