68 
SOME NOTES ON THE RATS OF THE PORT OF 
LIVERPOOL. 
By J. W. CUTMORE 
Assistant in Vertebrate Zoology, Free Public Museum, Liverpool 
‘Much has been said and written about the large number 
of Rats found in Liverpool, and of their depredations ; but, 
I think, no investigations have been made concerning the 
number of species and varieties, and the habits peculiar to 
each species. Through the help of the Staff of the Port 
Sanitary Authority we have been able to make certain investiga- 
tions, and collect some facts. We have also been able to 
obtain living specimens for experimental purposes. There are 
three species of Rats of the Mus rattus type found on ships 
visiting the Port of Liverpool, also another and larger species 
g pool, ger sp 
Mus norvegicus, found chiefly in warehouses and sewers. 
The Mus rattus group (or Epimys ratius, the name now 
generally adopted) is divided into three species :— 
The Black Rat, Mus rattus rattus. 
The Alexandrine Rat, M. r. alecandrinus. 
The Tree or Roof Rat, M. r. frugivorus. 
These are small rats with very long tails. The average dimen- 
sions are head and body, 204mm.; tail, 235mm.; ear, 22 mm. ; 
hind foot, 32 mm.; the weight is 7 oz. 
The Sewer Rat, Mus (Epumys) norvegicus, is a stouter 
animal: head and body, 240 mm.; tail, 204 mm.; ear, 
20 mm.; hind foot, 36 or 40 mm.; weight, over 16 oz. It is 
seldom found on ships. 
The following are the results of a series of catetiee on 
miscellaneous ships arriving in the Port. Out of 1,500 rats 
there were 576 Black, M. rv. rattus; 100 Tree Rats, M. r. 
frugivorus ; 204 Alexandrine Rats, M. r. alexandrinus ; and 
— 
a 
