320 MISS D. M. A. BATE ON THE [ Nov. 14, 
Considering the great distance by which the habitats of these 
two forms are separated, and that a number of other races occupy 
the intervening and neighbouring countries, the only plausible 
explanation of such a remarkable likeness seems to be that in this 
we havea striking case of similar characteristics independently 
acquired. This does not seem so improbable when it is remem- 
bered that among the Weasels variation acts only within very 
narrow limits; the chief points in which differences occur bemg 
in size, in the line of separation between the two colours, and in 
the presence and amount of white on the upper surfaces of the 
paws. In connection with the Cretan form it may be suggested 
that its large size is, at any rate partly, due to prolonged isolation 
in a locality where food is plentiful and competition not keen, 
owing to the absence of Stoats m the island. 
P. n. galinthias may be distinguished from P. . atlas by its 
richer colouring and in having only a scarcely perceptible “pencil” 
of darker hairs at the tip of the tail, which in one of the dried 
specimens measures 89 mm. exclusive of the terminal hairs. 
P.n. sicule Barv.-Ham.*, although differing from these species 
in size and colouring, agrees with them not only in the well- 
defined line of separation of the colours along the flanks, but also 
in having white on the upper surfaces of the hind as well as the 
fore paws. 
The colour of the under side in one of the skins from Crete 
(No. 33, ¢) is dirty white; while in the larger of the two (No. 15), 
the type, probably an old male, this colour is washed with buftish 
yellow. The “ white” extends im a narrow line along the upper 
lips to the base of the nose. 
This Weasel is common and frequently abroad in the daytime, 
when it may be seen running along the loosely-built stone dykes 
which are a noticeable feature of many parts of the country, 
being built for the purpose of ridding the ground of some of the 
overwhelming number of stones with which it is cumbered. It 
probably feeds largely on the lizards of various kinds that 
abound in the island: one day in an olive-grove at Phaestos a 
weasel was seen to spring out of some thick undergrowth at the 
edge of a stream and seize a large green lizard (Lacerta viridis 
major Blgr.), which, on becoming aware of my presence, it 
hurriedly carried off in its mouth. 
It is known to the natives by different names in different parts 
of the island: in the west it is called ‘“ Kalajannou,” in the east 
“ Sinteknaria” (currecvdapea 7), and in the Lassethe Mountains a 
modification of the former term which I neglected to make a note 
of at the time. 
10. Mus rarrus Linn. 
This Rat is found in the port-towns on the northern coast, but 
* Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 7, vol. v. Jan. 1900, p. 46. 
+ “eadoouytexvapta, according to Dr. Forsyth Major, op. cit. p. 63. 
