1846.] the Malayan Peninsula and Islands. 255 



Gen. — Rhizomys, Gray. 



Rhizomys sumatrensis, Gray. 



Syn. — Mus sumatrensis, Raffles. 

 " Dekan," Raffles. 

 Hypudeus de Sumatra, Temm. 



Nyctocleptes Dekan, Temm. f Apud Gray: List. 



Spalax javanus, Cuvier, 



Rhizomys chinensis, Gray, apud Schinz. 



Rhizomys cinereus, McClelland.* 



Rhizomys Decan, Schinz. 



" Tikus bulow" of the Malays of the Peninsula. 

 Hab. — Malayan Peninsula. 



China, Moulmein, Assam. 

 Although the animal was first described in Sir Stamford Raffles' 

 catalogue of collections, made in Sumatra, the author distinctly states 

 that it was forwarded from Malacca by Major Farquhar; nor does it 

 appear to inhabit Sumatra, although the specific name would lead one 

 to suppose that such is the case. The colour of the adult is liable to 

 individual variations, from grey of different shades to isabella or silvery- 

 buff. The separate hairs are mostly of the colour prevailing in the 

 individual, mixed with single dark-brown hairs with whitish apex, parti- 

 cularly on the vertex, continuing along the centre part of the back. On 

 the nose, anterior part of the head, and on the cheeks, the hairs are of 

 a pale rust colour. On the vertex some white hairs form either a spot 

 or a short line of that colour. The scanty hairs of the abdomen are all 

 of a pale-greyish or isabella colour. The mustachios, whiskers, superci- 

 liar and gular bristles, are either of a pale-brown or buff colour. The 

 young are above of a dark-grey, with a brown streak on the vertex and 



* The description of this supposed species (Calcutta Journal of Nat. Hist. Vol. II. 

 p. 456, PI. XIV.) states, "There are four toes to each fore-foot, and five to each 

 hind-foot." The draughtsman of PI. XIV, " Rhizomys cinereus," has, at all events, 

 observed, that all the feet are five-toed, however incorrectly he has represented the 

 animal. Another error occurs in the description, viz : " Sir Stamford Raffles describes 

 a species of Bamboo Rat found in Sumatra by Colonel Farquhar," &c. Sir S. Raffles' 

 words are these: " Mus Sumatrensis. A drawing and specimen of an animal, which 

 appears related to the Mus Pilorides, was forwarded from Malacca" (not Sumatra, 

 as erroneously asserted) "by Major Farquhar, to the Asiatic Society at the same time 

 with the Binturong. I am informed by him that it is not uncommon at Malacca, 

 and is perhaps to be found in most parts of the Malay Peninsula," &c. Transact. 

 Linn. Society, Vol. XIII. Part II. 



