BRITISH MAMMALS 
the Black Alexandrine Rat, described as a recent arrival on our 
shores, really deserves its name on account of its glossy coat, jet 
black above and rather lighter below. Mr. Millais informs us that 
this race "is a native of the Black Sea ports, although its original 
home is, like that of the other races, unknown. Its habits are 
similar, and it is a great traveller on board the grain ships, and 
has doubtless reached many out-of-the-way places of which at present 
we are ignorant." Differing in colour only, the three forms are 
identical in shape and habits and will freely interbreed when they 
come in contact with each other. 
