CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 7. RODEXTIA. 



4." 



t- :.:. ..-•■ 



THE CAIRO MOUSE. 



are a large number of Asiatic species, some of which are as small as the common mouse ; others are 

 of much larger size. The Caraco Rat, J/, caraco, found in China, Mongolia, and Siberia, is a 

 quarter larger than the brown rat, and lives, like that species, in the houses. 



The Giaxt Rat, J/", piyanteus, is twenty-seven inches long, with a tail thirteen inches. It 

 appears like a Brown Rat dilated to enormous proportions ; its weight is three pounds. It is found 

 in many places on the coast of Coromandel, in Mysore, and in several parts of Bengal between 

 Calcutta and Hurdwar, and is called Bandicoot bv the natives, though this name has been appro- 

 priated by the English to a marsupial animal that resembles it. It is partial to dry situations, 

 and is hardly ever found distant from habitations. The lowest caste of Hindoos eat the flesh oi this 

 rat in preference to that of any other species. It is a most mischievous animal, burrows to a great 

 depth, and will pass under the foundations of granaries and storehouses if not deeply laid. Mud 

 r unburnt brick walls prove no security against its attacks, and it commonly perforates such 

 • mildings in all directions. It is destructive in gardens, and roots up the seeds of all leguminous 

 plants sown within its haunts. Cucurbitaceous plants and fruits also suffer by its depredations. 

 W hen grain and vegetables are not within its reach, or are scarce, it will attack poultry ; but the 

 former are its choicest food. Dr. Gray remarks that the geographical range of this animal must 

 be very extensive, as a species has been transmitted to the British Museum from Van Diemen's 

 Land. 



The Perchal Rat, J/. Perchal, resembles the preceding in size and habits, and is found at Ton- 

 It is distinguished bv ri^id hairs alonjr the back. 



'icnerv. 



The Tikus-nYirok, M. setter of Horsfield, has been considered as the young of this s, but 



Dr. Gray shows this to be an error. It is found in Java, on the confines of woods and forests, and 

 "arely approaches the villages and dwellings of the natives, who describe if, however, as a bold 

 rod mischievous animal. It is remarkable for the robustness of its form, and the size and strength 

 'f its front teeth ; its nose is evidently employed in burrowing the ground in search of its food, 

 rod its tail has the character of those species which are in the habit of frequenting the water. 



Vol. I. — 58 



