110 
JERBOA TRIBE. 
and yellowish bands, the tip itself being black. This 
animal measures between seven and eight inches 
f A lllA fa i 1 
JERBOA TRIBE. 
The jerboas seem in many respects, both of con- 
formation and habit, much allied to the kanguroos ; 
but an adherence to artificial system will not allow 
them to be arranged together. They use their 
long hind legs in leaping, very seldom going on 
all-fours ; and with their fore legs, they both 
carry the food to their mouth, and make their holes 
in the ground. They are inhabitants principally of 
the warmer climates. 
They have two front teeth above, and two below. 
The fore legs are short, ami their hind ones very 
Jong ; and they have clavicles, or collar bones. 
Egyptian jerboa. 
This species is found in Egypt and different parts 
of Africa. 
The jerboas inhabit dry, hard, and clayey ground. 
They dig their burrows very speedily, not only 
with their fore feet, but with their teeth ; and 
fling the earth back with their hind feet, so as to 
form a heap at the entrance. The burrows are 
many yards long ; and run obliquely and winding, 
but not above half a yard deep below the surface. 
They end in a large space or nest, the receptacle 
of the purest herbs. They have usually but one 
eptrance ; yet, by a wonderful sagacity, the animals 
