164 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



of approaching danger, which they have not the means of 

 detecting by sight. 



As the two species included in the genus Bathyergus 

 are sufficiently noticed as to their generic and specific dif- 

 ferences in the text and table, we shall not repeat or 

 dilate upon them here ; but shall merely insert the short 

 notice of Mr. Burchell, as one of the latest South African 

 travellers, of the Mus Maritimus, or Coast Rat of Pennant. 



In every part of the Sand Flats, says Mr. Burchell, I ob- 

 served innumerable mole-hills, and my foot very often sunk 

 into their burrows. For this reason, it is very unpleasant, 

 if not dangerous, to ride on horseback in such places, as per- 

 sons are liable to be thrown, by the feet of their horses un- 

 expectedly sinking into these holes. The animal which 

 make these hillocks is a very large kind of Mole Rat, nearly 

 as big as a Rabbit, with a very soft downy ash-coloured fur, 

 having, in appearance at least, neither eyes, ears, nor tail. 

 It is peculiar to this Colony, and is called Zand Moll ("Sand 

 Mole.) 



From the great softness of the fur, and the abundance of 

 skins that might be obtained, it might possibly constitute 

 an article of some value for colonial trade or for exporta- 

 tion, and it is surprising that no speculative person has 

 hitherto attempted to convert these skins to some useful 

 purpose. 



Of the single species, (the Helamys Cafer, Dipus Cafer, 

 Gm., Cape Jerboa, Pen.) which composes the division 

 Helamys, or Pedetes, of Illiger, we shall merely add in 

 this place Mr. Burchell's account of the animal. Great 

 complaints, says he, are made against these animals, for 

 the mischief they do to the corn, eating it both green and. 

 ripe. It is nearly the size of a Hare, with long soft fur of 

 a sandy colour, a long tail, black at the extremity, and 



