306 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
same species, the black rattws being the form found in temperate 
regions, and the brown alexandrinus the tropical one.” In 
summer the Black Rats become troublesome in private houses, 
warehouses, and stores, and in sail-lofts are keen upon the Russian 
tallow used there. From one loft I received a whole family of 
half-grown rattus with a white spot in the centre of the chest. As 
the malting season returns they seem to again concentrate their 
forces in the maltings. In 1895, having heard of certain smacks 
being infested with them, I made arrangements with the 
‘* watchers,” who ‘‘smoked”’ each vessel as it came into port, to 
secure specimens. After a day and a night’s burning of pepper 
in the vessel, all apertures being closed by boards and mud, the 
hatches were taken off. I have seen them lying in all con- 
ceivable places, the largest generally being near to the stove. 
From one I had the pick of forty Rats. Amongst them were two 
or three M. alexandrinus. Vide Trans. Norf. and Nor. Nat. 
Soe. vol. vi. 
[Var. Mus alexandrinus.—This variety is a duplicate in size 
and build of the preceding. Itis by no means common; I have 
had less than a dozen examples in all. Most of these came from 
one large smacks’ store-house. The general colour was grey, 
becoming dirty white below, and inclining to a decided brown 
upon the backs of some. Gradations from M. decumanus to 
M. rattus are not found, nor are any of the physical characteristics 
of M. decumanus observed in this.] 
Brown Rar (M. decumanus). C.—‘‘ Grey” would be pre- 
ferable to ‘“‘Brown.” Will undoubtedly increase in proportion 
to the extirpation of the Mustelide. It is a pity gamekeepers do 
not turn their attention to it rather than to its bond fide enemies, 
the Stoat, Owl, &e. Abounds on Breydon and the river “walls”; 
it here assumes a semi-aquatic life. 
Common Frexip Vote (Microtus agrestis). C.—Unquestionably 
on the increase. Abundant on some marshes. Is the favourite 
prey of the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). 
Water Vote (M. amphibius). C.—Found at almost every 
ditch-side. ‘The fact that the Water Vole is somewhat car- 
nivorously inclined, or rather is piscivorous, I am fully satisfied, 
having observed them on several occasions devouring small fish 
left on a ‘rond’ beside my house-boat when moored in Kendall 
