SPECIES OBTAINED BY HELLER 489 
apparently abandoned weaver-birds 5 nests. If frightened, one would 
drop out of its nest to the ground and run off; but if Heller waited 
quietly for ten minutes the mouse would come back, climb up the twigs 
of the bush, and re-enter the nest. It never stayed away long, seeming 
to need the nest for protection. 
Dendromys insignis. Although belonging to the genus of tree mice, this large 
Dendromys lives on the ground, seemingly builds no nest, and is most 
often found in the runways of the Otomys. 
Lophuromys aquilus (Harsh-furred Mouse). Common in Rift Valley, on the 
top of the Aberdares, and in the Kenia forest. Go up to timber line, 
but are not found in the deep forest, save above the edges of the stream. 
Very fond of brush. Do not go out on the grassy plains. Usually, but 
not strictly, nocturnal; and in the cold, foggy uplands, as on the 
Aberdares, become diurnal. 
(Leggada) Mus grains (Pigmy Harvest Mouse). As small as our smallest 
harvest mouse. A grass mouse, usually entirely away from bushes and 
trees. Usually taken in the runways of the larger species. Occasionally 
come into tents. Nocturnal. Found generally throughout East Africa, 
but nowhere as abundant as many other species. 
Epimys hindei (Masai Bush Rat). Trapped on the Kapiti and Athi Plains. 
About the size of the Southern wood rat of California ; almost the size 
of the wood rat of the Eastern States. Is a ground loving species, fond 
of bushes ; in habits like the Mus panya , but less widely distributed, and 
entering houses less freely. 
Epimys peromyscus Heller (n. s.) (African White-footed Mouse). Externally 
strikingly like our white-footed mouse. Found in thick forest, along the 
edges of the Rift Valley and on Mount Kenia. Near our elephant camp 
Heller failed to trap any white-footed mice in the open glades, even 
when the glades were of small size, but caught them easily if the traps 
were set only a few yards within the dense forest. Evidently very 
abundant in the forest, but not venturing at all into the open. Strictly 
nocturnal. Dwell under logs and in decayed places around stumps, and 
the trunks of big trees. 
Epimys panya (East African House Mouse) Common in B. E. A., coming 
into the houses, and acting like a house mouse, but twice the size. 
Frequently came into our camps, entering the tents. Very common on 
the edges of the forest, and in brush country and long grass, and among 
the sliambas ; not in the deep forests, except along streams, and not in 
the bare open plains. Nocturnal. Found in the runways of Otomys and 
Arvicanthis. Does not seem to be a grass-feeding species, like Otomys ; 
eats grain, beans, etc. 
Epimys nieventris ulce (Athi Rock Mouse). On the Athi Plains, in the Sotik, 
around Naivasha, and in the Rift Valley. Body only slightly larger than 
that of a house mouse, but tail at least a third longer than the head and 
body together. Yellowish-brown above and whitish beneath. Never 
found except among rocks ; we always found it where there were cliffs or 
on stony koppies. Lives in crevices in the rocks and along the ledges of 
the cliffs. Nocturnal. Caught in traps with nuts. 
Zelotomys hildegardce (Broad-headed Bush Mouse). Looks like a small-eared, 
broad-headed house mouse. Rather common on Athi Plains, in same 
localities with Uganda mouse, but rarer, and seldom enters houses. 
Thamnomys surdaster polionops (Long-tailed Tree Mouse). Arboreal ; more 
like a mouse than a rat. On the Athi Plains, in the Sotik and Rift 
Valley. Not found in heavy forest, but in the open acacia woods and in 
bushy country. Apparently lives much of the time on the ground, and 
builds no nests in the trees, but runs up and down them and among their 
branches freely. Nocturnal. 
