344 On the Mammalia of Nepal. [Aug. 



the ordinary small species of hare* of the plains abounds : and 

 thence extends into the central division, where, however, it is very 

 scarce. 



There is a larger species very nearly resembling the English, in the 

 central and northern regions ; but rare in both. The genera Kan- 

 gams. Castor, and Cavia, are unknown to us. In the southern re- 

 gion the common, little, striped, squirrel of the plains abounds. In the 

 central region we have an animal of the same size and characters, but 

 of an unstriped earthy-brown colour, tipped with golden yellow : 

 and in both these tracts the beautiful flying squirrel is found — a large 

 species, rich deep red-brown above, and golden yellow below ; 

 belonging to the sub-genus or subdivision Sciuropterus of the younger 

 Cuvier. It is not known to the Kachar, but is most common in the 

 central region. 



Of the genus Mas we have none of the numerous sub-genera except 

 Mas proper and Arclomys ; the latter, confined to the Kachar. The 

 rat of Nepal is a small variety of the common type (Norway rat), 

 and is very numerous and troublesome. The Mus gig an tens, or 

 bandicoot of the plains, is unknown to it. House mice are rare, and 

 no way peculiar : field mice, common. I have already noticed, in its 

 proper place, the musk-rat, or, more properly, musk-shrew. 



Family Edentata. 

 Genus Mam's. The short-tailed species of manis is of frequent 

 occurrence in the hills of the lower region, and in the mountains of 

 the central tract. It is unknown, I believe, to the Kachar. The 

 received opinion, that it has no external ears, is a mistake. I am not 

 aware that any of the other genera of this family are found in any 

 part of Nepal. 



Family Tardigrada. 

 The solitary genus of this familyr (Bradypus) is not, so far as I 

 know, known to Nepal. 



Sub-class UNGULATA. Family Pachydermata. 

 The elephant and rhinoceros abound in the forest and hills of 

 the lower region of Nepal, where they breed, and have their fixed 

 abode ; and whence, in the season of the rains, they constantly issue 



* Like the Indian fox and jackal, it still remains to be accurately described and 

 distinguished. 



f N. B. Arrangement is no part of my object ; and, in want of books, I 

 follow the tabular synopsis of the Mammalia given in the Gleanings in Science, 

 No. 29. It is sufficiently near to the most accredited and notorious system to be 

 generally intelligible, in the way in winch it is used by me. 



