MTI3 INPEALINEATUS. 197 



Hodgson has a Mus tarayensis, which appears to be not far removed 

 from M. decumanus. It is thus described by Dr. Horsfield, A. M. N. H., 

 1855. " Nearly allied to M. brunnmsculus. Color of the body and head 

 above dark-brown, delicately variegated with blackish and rufous hairs ; 

 a very slight gloss on the surface. Outer sides of the extremities rather 

 darker. Under parts from the chin to the vent, and inner parts of the 

 extremities, grayish-brown with a rusty shade. TaU shorter than the body, 

 tapering to an abrupt tip. Head lengthened and compressed, muzzle 

 gradually tapering to an abrupt tip. Mr. Hodgson's collection contains 

 a single specimen, and further observations are required to confirm the 

 distinctness of this species." 



Another rat that might be placed here is the following — 



178. Mus iufralineatus. 



Elliot, MSS. — Blyth, Memoir. — M. Elliotti, Geay, Br. Mus. Cat. 

 Mamm. (not Golunda Elliotti). — M. fulvesc?ns, Gray, Cat. Hodg- 

 son's Coll. ? 



The Steipkd-bellied Field-eat. 



Bescr. — Above the fur fulvous with the shorter hairs lead colored ; 

 throat, breast and belly, pure white, with a central pale fulvous-brown 

 streak ; taU slightly hairy. 



Length of one, head and body 5i inches ; tail not quite 5. Another, 

 about 5 inches ; tail 4i ; hind-foot IJL. 



I think it exceedingly probable that Gray's M. fulvescens, from Nepal, 

 is the same. It is described as, " fur pale fulvous, hairs very soft, lead- 

 colored, with bright yellow tips, and interspersed slender black bristles ; 

 throat, belly and beneath, pure white ; in one specimen with a central 

 yellow streak." This is not included in the British Museum Cat. Mamm. ; 

 but there is a Mus Elliotti (distinct from Golunda Elliotti) not described, 

 which may be the same. 



Kelaart's rat referred by him to M. asiatims, may be the same. 

 " Fur soft, above pale brown mixed with bla«k, the sides ashy-gray ; 

 beneath pure white ; tail thinnish, shorter than head and body ; ears large, 

 slightly hairy ; limbs slender. Length, head and body 6 ; taU 5i." 



I saw specimens of this field-rat in Mr. Elliot's possession in 1848, 

 procured in the neighbourhood of Madras; and I have twice obtained it 



