400 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



properly bitten by a venomous snake, though even in this case 

 the effects appear to be produced after a longer period than with 

 other mammals of the same size." 



The Mungoose is an excellent rat-killer, and it is stated 

 (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1882, p. 712) that within the last fifteen years 

 the introduction of this animal into Jamaica has resulted in a 

 saving of from £100,000 to £150,000 annually, owing to the 

 decreased number of rats which destroy the sugar-canes. 



We have been interested to learn what Mr. Blanford has to 

 say about the so-called "Wild Dogs" belonging to the genus 

 Cyon, and upon the question whether there is more than one 

 species. Upon this point much difference of opinion has been 

 expressed, and notwithstanding that Blyth, Jerdon, Murie, and 

 others have opined that there is only one species existing 

 throughout the Oriental Eegion, Mr. Blanford inclines to the 

 view that two distinguishable forms inhabit the area, the fauna 

 of which he is investigating, and of these two forms Cyon duk- 

 hv/nensis and C. rutilans, he gives the specific characters. 



The term " wild dog," he says, applied to these animals, is 

 clearly a misnomer, for in every important detail in which the 

 genus Cyon differs from Canis (Wolves and Jackals) — in the form 

 of the skull, the dentition, and the number of mammse — domestic 

 dogs agree with the latter and not with the former. The name 

 has doubtless been applied to the present genus on account of 

 its hunting in packs, like hounds, its fine handsome and bold 

 appearance, and its courage. 



We have not space to say more on this first instalment of 

 what promises to be a most valuable work on the fauna of 

 British India. So far as his own share of the work is concerned, 

 he has spared no pains to bring together the most reliable 

 information that can be procured respecting every species to 

 be included, while in regard to those classes of Vertebrates 

 with which he himself is not so familiar, he has secured the 

 co-operation of specialists whose names sufficiently guarantee 

 the excellence of the contributions they have promised. 



The numerous woodcuts with which the text is interspersed 

 will materially assist the student in acquainting himself with the 

 generic and specific characters. 



