232 IXSECTIVORA. 



silvery-white on the belly, and the under fur is dark 

 blue. The whiskers are very abundant at the base of 

 the mouth. 



The fur of the Eussian Musk-rat is appreciated to a 

 certain extent in this country for mantle trimmings, 

 and sometimes for glove-tops, but it meets with more 

 favour in America. From 7,000 to 12,000 skins are 

 collected annuall}^ and the price varies from 6d. to 

 Is. 6d. per skin. The tails are sold to perfumers at Id. 

 to Ij^d. each. By some naturalists the tails of this 

 animal have been confounded with those of the 

 American Musk-rat. This skin was supposed to keep 

 away moths from articles of clothing, but this idea is 

 erroneous, as it is itself very subject to attacks from 

 this destructive insect. 



This animal is found abundantly in Russia, and a 

 few are met with in the Pyrenees. 



