72 ROCK RAT. 



cus), and of a fine pale blue colour^ with rounded 

 ears. It inhabits subterraneous burrows, which 

 it forms of the length of many feet^ and on each 

 side of which are several holes or receptacles in 

 which it deposits its winter provisions^ consisting 

 chiefly of tuberous roots^ &c. It is a timid ani- 

 mal, and is also said to be very cleanly. It breeds 

 twice a year ; producing six at a time. The pea- 

 sants of Chih frequently rob the subterraneous 

 retreats of this species of the hoards which they 

 contain. 



ROCK RAT. 



Mus Saxatilis. M. cauda longiuscula, auribus vellere majorihus, 

 palmis suhtetradactylis, Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 131. 



Greyish-brown Rat, with longish tail, ears longer than the fur, 



, and subtetradactylous fore-feet. 



Rock Rat. Pefinant Qiiadr, 2. p. 192. 

 > 



The Mus Saxatilis or Rock Rat was first de- 

 scribed by Dr. Pallas, and measures four inches, 

 exclusive of the tail, which is an inch and half 

 long. The head is oblong ; the nose rather point- 

 ed ; the ears rising above the fur ; oval, downy, 

 and brown at the edges ; the whiskers short, and 

 the limbs strong. The colour of the animal is 

 brown above, slightly mixed with grey ; the sides 

 inclining still more to the latter colour; the 

 belly light cinereous, and the snout dusky, sur- 

 rounded by a white ring. It is a native of Si- 

 beria, and is principally found beyond Lake Bai- 



