64 QUADRUPEDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



naked ; tail ringed and scaly, each scale having a small hair grow- 

 ing from beneath it. 



Description. The muzzle is less tapering than in the preceding 

 species. The tail has about ISO rings formed by the scales. 



Dimensions. 



in. t'ths. 



Length of the head and body, . . . 10 8 



Head, 2 



Ear, 8 



Tail, 82 



Observations. The habits of the two preceding species of 

 Rats are quite similar ; they feed on every thing of household 

 consumption, and frequently make great havoc in cellars, fields of 

 corn, and granaries. They are fond of meat, and will frequently 

 destroy large quantities of pork. Their depredations do not end 

 here, as they destroy eggs and young poultry. They are bold 

 and furious when attacked by man or dog, and fly at either with 

 fury when so confined that escape is hopeless. They breed 

 several times annually, and produce from ten to fourteen at a litter. 

 Much might be said of this bold and mischievous animal ; but it is 

 sufficient to remark, that it is an annoying plague, whose extirpa- 

 tion is universally sought, but which cannot be effected, in con- 

 sequence of its cunning, and great fecundity. The best method 

 of destroying it is to mix plaster of Paris largely with meal, 

 which it will eat, and which, by hardening in its stomach and in- 

 testines, produces death in a short time. 



Genus Arctomys. Desm, 



Generic characters. Dental system ; incisors § ; canines £=£ ; 

 molars f=f ; = 22. Head somewhat triangular ; ears as wide as 

 long ; eyes small ; feet robust ; tail half the length of the body. 



1. Arctomys monax. Gmel. The Marmot. The Woodchuck. 



Mus monax, Lin. 



Ground Hog, Harlan, Fauna Am., p. 158. 



The Maryland Marmot, Pemi., Synop. 27; Quad., ii. 398. Godman, Nat. 

 Hist., ii. p. 100. 



Figure (poor) ; Griffith's Cuvier, iii. 170. 



