MUSK-RAT. 109 



hid in the bod)'. Tail, two-thirds the length of the body, compressed, 

 convex on the sides, thickest in the middle, tapering to an acute point 

 at the extremity ; covered with small scales, which are visible through 

 the thinly scattered hairs. Incisors, large ; upper ones, a little rounded 

 anteriorly ^vithout grooves, truncated on the cutting edge ; lower ones, 

 a little the longest ; nose, thick, and obtuse ; whiskers, moderate in 

 length, seldom reaching beyond the ear ; ej'es, small, and lateral, nearly 

 concealed in the fur ; ears, short, oblong, covered with hair, and hidden 

 by the fur. 



On the fore-legs, the wrist and fingers only are visible beyond the 

 body, they are covered with a short shining coat of hair. 



The thumb has a conspicuous palm, and is armed with a nail, as 

 long as the adjoining finger nails. Hind-legs, as short as the fore-legs, 

 so that the body Avhen the animal is walking touches the ground. 



The hind-feet are turned obliquely inwards, and at first sight remind us 

 of the foot of a duck. The two middle toes may be called semi-palm- 

 ated, and there is also a short web between the third and fourth toes. 

 The margins of the soles, and toes, are furnished with an even row of 

 rigid hairs, curving inwards ; under-surface of feet, naked ; claws, coni- 

 cal, and slightly arched. 



The whole body is clothed with a short, downy, fur, intermixed with 

 longer and coarser hairs. In many particulars the skin resembles that of 

 the beaver, although the fur is far less compact downy and lustrous. 



Fur, on the npper parts a third longer than beneath ; from the roots 

 to near the extremities, blueish-gray, or lead-colour, tipped with brown ; 

 on the under surface it is a little lighter in colour, and the hairs are 

 tipped with brownish-gray. This species, when viewed from above, ap- 

 pears of a general dark-bro'wn colour, with a reddish tint visible on the 

 neck, sides, and legs ; chin, throat, and under-surface, grayish-ash ; taU, 

 dark-brown. Incisors, yellow ; nails, white. The colour of this animal, 

 so much resembles that of the muddy banks on which it is frequently 

 seated, that we have often, when looking at one from a little distance, 

 mistaken it for a limip or clod of earth, until it moved. 



DIMENSIONS. 



Length of head and body 



of tail . 

 From heel to longest nail . 

 Height of ear 



15 



inches. 



10 



do. 



3 



do. 



i 



do. 



