NEODON SIKIMEN8IS. 217 



and below disposed in a regular compact series with slightly elevated 

 ridges or folds ; anterior grinders of the upper jaw larger than the others, 

 and having an additional ridge more than Arvicola. Molars of lower jaw 

 more uniform, with a very slight decrease posteriorly, otherwise as in 

 Arvicola. 



This genus is very close to Arvicola. I have not had an opportunity 

 of examining the teeth. 



203. Neodon Bikimensis. 



HoDOsoN, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 1849. — Blyth, Cat. p. 125. 

 The Sikim Vole. 



Descr. — Fur very soft and silky ; above deep brownish-black, with a 

 slight rusty shade, minutely and copiously grizzled with hairs of a deep 

 ferruginous tint, giving a general shade of dark rufescent-brown ; beneath 

 dark bluish-gray or ashy with a slight ferruginous or fulvous shade. All 

 four feet very slender. Ears moderate, hairy. 



Length of one, head and body 4| ; tail 1^ ; head 1^ ; hind-foot fths. 

 Another was 5 inches long. The female has six teats. 



This Vole differs from the last in its much darker tints. It has only 

 been procured in Sikim, near DarjeeUng, at heights varying from 7,000 to 

 15,000 feet. It is said by Hodgson to breed in hollow decayed trees, or 

 among the roots of trees, making a saucer-shaped nest of moss or soft 

 grass. The female brings forth three or four young only. 



Compared with the Arvicola, it is more a denizen of forests. Mr. At- 

 kinson found it under fallen trees and stones, on the top of Tonglo, near 

 Daijeeling, 10,000 feet ; whence, also, I had a specimen brought me. 



Some of this family are nearly related to the beavers, and the fur • of 

 one. Fiber zibethicus, the Musquash or Oudara of North America, is highly 

 prized. It has semi-palmated hind-feet and a long scaly tail. The 

 Lemmings, Myodes, are another well known genus of Arvicolince. They 

 occur in the northern parts of both continents in immense numbers, 

 and their migratory habits are familiar to all. They quite resemble voles, 

 but are more heavily formed, with very short ears and tail. They have 

 five distinct nails on the fore-feet. 



The peculiar genus Geomys, perhaps belongs to this sub-family. Bjyth 

 described a Plmiomys leucurus, from Tibet, 



2p 



