7 
aS ~ ° \ 
THE ZOOLOGIST. 
THIRD SERIES. 



Vou. XIIL.] JUNE, 1889. [No. 150. 




MUS HIBERNICUS, TuHomrson, RESTORED TO THE 
BRITISH FAUNA.* 
TuE discovery of this almost forgotten and neglected mammal 
in the Outer Hebrides is not only important, since a significant 
extension is thereby added to its limited geographical range, but 
also because it re-opens for consideration the history and status 
of the creature itself. which it is thought most desirable should 
be undertaken. 
To the fauna of these islands the presence of this peculiar 
Irish quadruped must be regarded as an important link in the 
chain of evidence bearing upon the general zoological relationship 
of the archipelago—a link in strict consonance with the views of 
the late Mr. E. R. Alston. 
The occurrence of a Black Rat in the islands had been 
known many years to Mr. Alexander Carmichael, but to Dr. John 
MacRury our thanks are due -for’ reminding us of the fact, and 
finally enabling us to add a new species to the fauna of Scotland 
and to Great Britain. This gentleman reported the Black Rat 
as occurring there in a letter dated the 21st of August last, after 
* From Messrs. Harvie Brown and Buckley’s recently published ‘ Fauna 
of the Outer Hebrides’ (8vo, Edinburgh, 1889), of which a review will shortly 
be given. In a future number, by favour of the authors and publisher, we 
propose to reproduce the plate given of this animal. 
ZOOLOGIST.— JUNE, 1889. R 
