1894.] OS THE MAMMALS OF URUGUAY. 297 



captivity. On referring to the literature of the species, I find that 

 the animal has been figured by S. Midler (Zool. Ind. Archip., 

 Mamm. pi. xvii.) under the name Potamophilus barbatus, and by 

 MM. Eydoux and Souleyet (Voyage de la Bonite, Mamm. pi. vi.). 

 But a comparison of the present sketch with the figures given by 

 the above-named authors will at once show that their figures could 

 not have been drawn from life, and that both are practically useless 

 for the purpose of identification. 



In form and size this animal resembles partly a Prionodon and 

 partly a Paradosawrus. The head is elongated, muzzle broad and 

 depressed, the breadth of the muzzle appearing more pronounced 

 owing to the exceptional character of the upper lip, which is much 

 thickened in order to support the roots of the abundant and well- 

 developed whiskers. A bunch of whiskers below each ear and 

 close to the outer angle of the eye ; also an intermediate set on 

 each side of the nose between the eye and the lip. A tuft of 

 vibrissas on the chin between the lower lip and the throat. Eyes 

 large and oblique ; ears small and round ; nostrds with distinct 

 lobes adapted for a subaquatic life. Tail moderate and thick. 

 Prevailing colour of the coat grey, grizzled white on the back, 

 rump, and outer aspects of the limbs ; a dark band on the crown 

 and nape ; eyebrows white to a certain extent ; a white spot on 

 each side of the head below the ears corresponding with the place 

 of insertion of the whiskers in this region ; lips white. Under- 

 parts blackish. Tip of the tail whitish. Toes slightly webbed, 

 resembling those of Lutra leptonyx from a distance. Length of 

 the head and body about 32 inches, tail about 9*5 inches. . 



Except very early in the morning I have never seen this animal 

 leave its cage during the day, and though it never appears to be 

 particularly savage, it always resents the approach of its keeper 

 or anyone else by a sort of low subdued snarling. The presence 

 of a strong Civet-like smell near its cage, especially at night, 

 unmistakably indicates the possession of odoriferous glands. 

 Although said to be omnivorous, it shows greater partiality for 

 an animal than a vegetable diet, and relishes fish more than flesh. 

 I have never observed it indulging in its aquatic habits here. 



Calcutta, January 10, 1894. 



3. Field-Notes on the Mammals of Uruguay. 

 By O. V. Aplin. 



[Received March 3, 1894.] 



The following notes relate almost entirely to the Departments of 

 Soriano and Bio INegro, and were made during a residence in the 

 country from October 1892 to June 1893. My thanks are due to 

 Mr. Oldfield Thomas for his kindness in naming such of the 

 species as were unknown to me, and in giving me the correct 

 modern names for some others. 



