BRITISH MAMMALS 



the Black Alexandrine Rat, described as a recent arrival on our 

 shores, really deserves its name on account of its glossy coat, jet 

 black above and rather lighter below. Mr. Millais informs us that 

 this race "is a native of the Black Sea ports, although its original 

 home is, like that of the other races, unknown. Its habits are 

 similar, and it is a great traveller on board the grain ships, and 

 has doubtless reached many out-of-the-way places of which at present 

 we are ignorant." Differing in colour only, the three forms are 

 identical in shape and habits and will freely interbreed when they 

 come in contact with each other. 



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