1846.] Rough Notes on the Zoology of Candahar. 139 



time, but this too is incorrect, for they may be seen the whole day 

 through, popping out of their holes, nibbling the long grasses, and 

 bounding off from hole to hole. This is the desert rat of Elphinstone's 

 Cabul. (See Introduction.) 



No. 24. Gerbillus [Cuvieri (?), Waterhouse.] 27 This species is plen- 

 tifully scattered over the arid and stony plains of Afghanistan, but they 

 do not form colonies like the last named. The Afghans call it " Juwee." 

 A full grown male specimen measured nine inches, and the tail seven 

 inches and a half, equal to sixteen inches and a half over all. This, like 

 the last, although perhaps strictly speaking nocturnal, is nevertheless ac- 

 tive during the day, popping occasionally out of its hole to feed. They 

 form no colony, but are numerously scattered in pairs over the plains. 



No. 25. Gerbillus [erythroura, Gray, An. and Mag. Nat. Hist. Vol. 

 X. 266]. This likewise is abundant over the same tracts as the last, 

 and goes by the same name ; it is more abundant around Quettah, while 

 the former affects the tracts around Candahar. All burrow in the 

 ground, and are seen during the day at times. The nails of the feet in 

 this last are black, but in the former (No. 24) they are white or colour- 

 less in living specimens. 



N. B. — You will see one specimen of Gerbillus distinguished by a X 

 on the enveloping papers, No. 25 J. It is, I consider, the same as No. 25, 

 the black colour of the nails being, however, the consequence of death, 

 for in the living specimen they were colourless. Found in wide stony 

 plains with the habit of the last. 28 



No. 26. Arvicola [Mus Huttoni, Blyth.] 29 I am doubtful whether 



27. Vide preceding note, No. 26.— Cur. As. Soc. 



28. I do not think that it differs from No. 25,-r-Cur. As. Soc. 



29. This belongs to a particular and very separable division of Mus, having much 

 the appearance and also the habits of Arvicola. Among Indian species, it comprises 

 the M. giganteus of Hardwicke, or great Bandicoot-rat, and the presumed M. indi- 

 cus, Geoff, (s. Arvicola indica, Hardw., M. kok of Gray, and M. (Neotomaj providens 

 of Mr. Elliot's catalogue.) The latter naturalist having expressed to me his intention 

 of applying a particular name to this group, I shall not forestall him in so doing; but 

 1 entirely agree with him in the propriety of the separation. Mr. Gray (in M. N. H. 

 1837, p. 585,) regards it as the typical form of Mus. 



In size and proportions the present species bears a near resemblance to M. indicus 

 (v. kok), but the tail is shorter, and the general colour much lighter, resembling that 

 of the Gerbils. On comparison of the skulls, the zygomatic arch is seen to be conspi- 

 cuously broader anteriorly ; and the palate is much narrower, and contracts to the 

 front: but the most obvious distinction consists in all the teeth, both incisive tusks 

 and grinders, being considerably broader and stronger. In other respects the skulls of 



