EGYPTIAN JERBOA* 
113 
fond of basking in the sun ; and the moment they 
were put in the shade,, they clung to each other, 
and seemed to suffer from the privation of warmth . 
They did not usually sleep during the day. Though 
they had much agility in their movements, gentle- 
ness and tranquillity seemed to form their charac- 
ter. They suffered themselves to be stroked with 
great composure ; and never made a noise or quar- 
relled, even when food was scattered among them. 
No distinguishing symptoms of joy, fear, or gra- 
titude were discoverable ; and even their gentleness 
was by no means either amiable or interesting ; it 
appeared the effect of a cold and complete indiffer- 
ence, approaching to stupidity. Three of these 
died before Sonnini left Alexandria ; two died on 
a rough passage to the island of Rhodes ; and the 
last was lost, and, as he supposes, devoured by cats* 
while he was at the island. 
He says it is very difficult to transport these ten- 
der little creatures into other climates ; but as an 
indispensable precaution to those who attempt it, 
he advises that they be close shut up in strong 
cages, or other conveniences, without any possibi- 
lity of escaping ; for their natural disposition in- 
citing them to gnaw whatever comes in their way, 
they may occasion very considerable damage to a 
ship in the course of her voyage ; and, being able 
to eat through the hardest wood, may even endan- 
ger her sinking. 
They breed several times in the summer, and 
bring seven or eight young at a time. The Arabs 
eat them, and esteem them among the greatest de- 
licacies. 
Its ears are thin, erect, and broad ; its eyes full 
and dark ; its whiskers long ; its fore legs are one 
inch long ; its hind ones two and a quarter. On 
each of the fore feet, there are five /toes ; the inner 
one, or thumb, is scarce apparent ; but that* as 
von. n, q 
