44 



MUSK RAT. 



which they principally emerge by night. They 

 are of a prolific nature, and the females are fur- 

 nished with numerous teats. Some species are 

 migratory ; others local or attached to the same 

 residence. Lastly, some are of an uncouth form 

 and disagreeable appearance, while others are re- 

 markable for the elegance of their aspect and co- 

 lours. In the lJ2th edition of the Systema Na- 

 ture, Linnaeus included in this genus the Jerboas, 

 the Cavys, and several other animals which are 

 now formed into distinct genera. This mode of 

 distribution might perhaps be carried still farther; 

 the habit or appearance of some species differing 

 very considerably from that of the major part of 

 the tribe. 



JVith flattened Tails, 



MUSK RAT. 



Mus Zibethicus. M. cauda longa compresso-lonceolata, pedibus 



^ssis. Lin. Sysf. Nat, Gmel. p. 125. 

 Ferruginous-brown Rat, with long compressed-lanceolate tail, 



and unwebbed feet. 

 Rat musque. Sarrasin act. Paris j 1*^2^. p. 325. t. 11. f. i, 2. 

 Castor zibethicus. Lin, Syst. Nat. ed. 12. p. 79. 

 Ondatra. BvJ^. 10. p. i.pl. 1. 

 Musk Beaver. Pennant Quadr. 2. p. iigi 



In the Memoirs of the French Academy of 

 Sciences for the year 1725 there is a complete and 

 excellent description of this animal by Mons. 



