THE GUEKNSEY VOLE. 



(Microtus sarnius, Millee.) 



It is only within the last year or two that the smaller 

 mammalia indigenous to the Channel Islands have been 

 attentively studied by expert zoologists ; and although a 

 great deal still remains before an absolutely exhaustive 

 list of our mammalian fauna can be compiled, enough has 

 been done to encourage and stimulate further research. It 

 is now ascertained that Jersey possesses a distinct species 

 of Bank Vole ( Evotomys ccesarhts ) described last year as 

 new to science; and this year Professor Gerrit S. Miller 

 has determined the common Field Vole of Guernsey to 

 be an undescribed species to which he has given the name 

 of Microtus sarnius. 



In addition to these two extremely interesting new 

 species, Prof. Miller finds that the common Shrew of Jersey 

 belongs to an entirely new race, and he describes it in the 

 Annals and Magazine of Natural History for May, 1909, 

 as Sorex araneus, sub-species fretalis. As far as is known 

 at present it appears that the two new Jersey forms, and 

 the new Guernsey one, are confined to their respective 

 islands, which, to say the least, is very remarkable. 



The experts at the British Museum have for the last 

 two years been keenly interested in these new Channel Island 

 mammals, and it is to one of their staff, Mr. R. H. Bunting, 

 that the credit is due of obtaining the necessary materials 

 for the purpose of examination and study. Both this year 

 and last, Mr. Bunting has visited the islands and worked 

 with enthusiasm and energy in collecting specimens and 

 observing their habits ; consequently he has acquired a better 

 knowledge than any one else of their ways and mode of 

 life. In response to a request for notes 2nd particulars 

 on the subject of the Guernsey Vole, Mr. Bunting has 

 very kindly forwarded the following observations which are 

 of the greatest value and interest, and for his doing so 

 this Society desires to record its grateful acknowledgments. 

 [1909.] 



