CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 7. RODENTIA. 
457 
THE CAIRO MODSE. 
are a large number of Asiatic species, some of which, are as small as the common mouse ; others are 
of much larger size. The Caraco Rat, M, caraco, found in China, Mongolia, and Siberia, is a 
quarter larger than the brown rat, and lives, like that species, in the houses. 
Tlie Giant Rat, M. giganteus^ is twenty-seven inches long, with a tail thirteen inches. It 
appears like a Brown Rat dilated to enormous proportions ; its weight is three pounds. It is found 
in many places on the coast of Coromandel, in Mysore, and in several parts of Bengal between 
Calcutta and Hurdwar, and is called Bandicoot by the natives, though this name has been appro- 
priated by the English to a marsupial animal that resembles it. It is partial to dry situations, 
and is hardly ever found distant from habitations. The lowest caste of Hindoos eat the flesh of this 
rat in preference to that of any other species. It is a most mischievous animal, burrows to a great 
depth, and will pass under the foundations of granaries and storehouses if not deeply laid. Mud 
or unbm-nt brick walls prove no security against its attacks, and it commonly perforates such 
buildings in all directions. It is destructive in gardens, and roots up the seeds of all leguminous 
plants sown within its haunts. Cucurbitaceous plants and fruits also sutFer by its depredations. 
When grain and vegetables are not within its reach, or are scarce, it will attack poultry; but the 
former are its choicest food. Dr. Gray remarks that the geographical range of this animal must 
be very extensive, as a species has been transmitted to the British Museum from Yan Diemen's 
Land. 
The Perchal Rat, M, Perclial^ resembles the preceding in size and habits, and is found at Pon- 
dichery. It is distinguished by rigid hairs along the back. 
The TiKus-WiROK, M. setiger of Horsfield, has been considered as the young of this species, but 
Dr. Gray shows this to be an error. It is found in Java, on the confines of woods and forests, and 
rarely approaches the villages and dwellings of the natives, who describe it, however, as a bold 
and mischievous animal. It is remarkable for the robustness of its form, and the size and strength 
of its front teeth ; its nose is CAadently employed in burrowing the ground in search of its food, 
and its tail has the character of those species which are in the habit of frequenting the water. 
Vol. I. — 58 
