202 



MAMMALS, 



During his special investigations into the distribution of our 

 micro-mammalia, Mr. Eagle-Clarke received specimens of this 

 species through the active endeavours of that veteran naturalist, 

 Dr. George Gordon, which had been collected in that district. 

 No doubt its distribution is very general. 



Family MURIDJE. 

 Sub-famUy MUEINJE. 



Mus minutus, Pft//. Harvest Mouse. 



A specimen was found at Greenscares, Gordonstown, and was pre- 

 sented, in spirits, to the Banff Museum, by Mr. Gardiner, the laird 

 (since deceased). It was sent to Mr. George Sim of Aberdeen, who 

 identified it. Edward recognised it, and says, 'I have myself taken 

 it several times.' He adds, 'It is now well ascertained to be a 

 native of Banffshire,' and he designates it ' the smallest of British 

 quadrupeds,' — which is a mistake, for that distinction belongs to 

 'The Lesser Shrew' (Sorex pjgmoius, Pallas). AVe have never our- 

 selves met with the Harvest Mouse anywhere in Scotland. 



The specimen referred to is now in the Banff Museum, in 

 spirits. Mr. W. Taylor says he has found no trace of this species 

 in or about Lhanbryde, although he had made many inquiries 

 about it during the last six months. 



Mus musculus, Z. Common House Mouse. 



Everywhere abundant. "We do not know how to add anything to its 

 already known history, except that Mr. R. Thomson makes the 

 remark : — ' The more domesticated variety is smaller, and usually 

 not so dark as the one which is generally found in the vicinity.' 

 We were informed that there are no mice in Guisachan House. 



Mus rattus, X. Black Rat. 



We have nothing to add to the statement before given in one of our 

 volumes {V. F. S. and C. p. 91) of the occurrence of this species near 

 Golspie. It is now a question (which cannot, however, be con- 

 fidently settled), whether the one alluded to was not a specimen 

 of 31. alexandrinus. But as Dr. Joass originally described it as 



