NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



Ears moderate in size and nearly destitute of hairs. 

 Claws rather large and not concealed by the hairs, 

 which are white. Head and body 2^ inches long ; 

 tail about 2 inches, covered with white bristles. 



This Mouse was formerly grouped under the genus 

 Mus, but owing to certain differences in the skull 

 and teeth, it has now been placed in a separate genus, 

 viz. Leggada. 



THE LONG-TAILED RAT 



{Ihamnomys dolichurus) 



The Long-tailed Rat is found in all parts of Africa, 

 from the Cape Province in the south, to Algeria in 

 the north, wherever the environment is suitable to 

 its arboreal habits. This species of Rat lives in trees, 

 and makes its home in the hollows of the branches 

 and tree-trunks, or in bush-birds' nests. Peters says 

 it carries its young attached to its mammae. This is 

 a habit of several species of rats and mice. The 

 Long-tailed Rat is rich brown on the back, with a 

 reddish tinge posteriorly. Ears almost naiked, large 

 and roundish. Under parts pure white, the fur 

 having no slaty bases ; legs white with a rusty tinge. 

 Length of head and body about 5 inches ; tail 6J 

 inches. 



Genus : Cricetomys 



There is only one species of rat in this genus. A 

 local race has been fpund to differ slightly, and it, in 



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