552 MR. O. THOMAS ON MAMMALS FROM NYASSALAND. [NoV. 1, 



the dorsal stripes nearly obsolete, only just distinguishable. Ears 

 partaking of the general pallor, the anterior margin of their outer 

 surface pale rufous instead of shining black, and their inner surfaces 

 pale fawn. Upperside of tail scarcely darker than on the sides and 

 below. 



Dimensions of the typical skin (approximate). — Head and body 

 128 mm. ; tail 118 ; hind foot 26-5. 



Mab. Bechuanaland. 



18. GOLTJNDA FALLAX, PctcrS. 



a. Ad. al. S • 



This species bears such a close resemblance to the Indian G. 

 ellioti, Gr., that it is very difficult to distinguish it. It appears, 

 however, constantly to have only five posterior sole-pads as compared 

 to six in its Asiatic ally. 



19. DENDROMyS MESOMELAS, 13tS. 



a-f. 6 in al. 



20. Myoscaloi's argenteo-cinereus, Peters. 



fl. Ad. sk. Zomba 



h-e. 4 yg. sks. Milanji Plain, 4000 ft. 17-19/10/91. 

 f-n. 9 ad. & yg. al. 



While there cannot be the smallest doubt that these specimens 

 really belong to Petcrs's species, it is an extraordinary fact that not 

 even the largest of them has more than four cheek-teeth in place, 

 the number characteristic of Georychus rather than of Mynscalops, 

 so that it is difficult to understand under what circumstances the 

 extra teeth are produced. Whether tliey are only formed in some 

 individuals and not in all, or, as is more probable, are only developed 

 in extreme old age, I am at present unable to decide. Specimens 

 abnormally larger than the general average should be sought for by 

 those having the opportunity, so that this most interesting point 

 may be settled. 



The colour of the fur in the adult, or at least nearly adult, skin 

 b, confirms my doubtful identification ^ of Emin Pasha's Mandera 

 specimens with Peters's species, for while the present animal is 

 unquestionably, from its locality, M, argenteo-cinereus, its colour 

 agrees precisely in tone with that of Eniin's specimens, and it is 

 equally different from that of Gray's G. jjaUidns, the peculiar pale 

 colour of which still remains to be explained. 



Little variation is presented by the different specimens except 

 in the case of the frontal wliite spot, which varies from 4 

 or 5 mm. in diameter to nil. The yoiuig specimens are, as usual, 

 nearly wholly slaty grey, the buff tips to the hairs being a later 

 product. 



1 P. Z. S. 1890, p. 448. 



