THE SWAMP RAT 



It feeds upon the rank herbage and roots, and 

 constructs deep burrows. 



This rat is relished as an article of diet by the 

 natives of Angola. 



The Swamp Rat attains a length of from 6 to 7 

 inches, not including the tail, which is somewhat 

 shorter than the head and body. 



The fur of the back is coarse and speckled yellowish 

 and dark brown, with a darker dorsal stripe. Sides 

 paler than the back ; under parts grey ; tip of hose 

 rufous-brown ; ears covered with rufous hairs ; fifth 

 finger short, with a nail-hke claw. 



VOL. IV 145 ^° 



