Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/338

306 same species, the black rattus being the form found in temperate regions, and the brown alexandrinus the tropical one." In summer the Black Rats become troublesome in private houses, warehouses, and stores, and in sail-lofts are keen upon the Russian tallow used there. From one loft I received a whole family of half-grown rattus with a white spot in the centre of the chest. As the malting season returns they seem to again concentrate their forces in the maltings. In 1895, having heard of certain smacks being infested with them, I made arrangements with the "watchers," who "smoked" each vessel as it came into port, to secure specimens. After a day and a night's burning of pepper in the vessel, all apertures being closed by boards and mud, the hatches were taken off. I have seen them lying in all conceivable places, the largest generally being near to the stove. From one I had the pick of forty Rats. Amongst them were two or three M. alexandrinus. Vide Trans. Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc. vol. vi.

[Var. Mus alexandrinus.—This variety is a duplicate in size and build of the preceding. It is by no means common; I have had less than a dozen examples in all. Most of these came from one large smacks' store-house. The general colour was grey, becoming dirty white below, and inclining to a decided brown upon the backs of some. Gradations from M. decumanus to M. rattus are not found, nor are any of the physical characteristics of M. decumanus observed in this.]

(M. decumanus). C.—"Grey" would be preferable to "Brown." Will undoubtedly increase in proportion to the extirpation of the Mustelidæ. It is a pity gamekeepers do not turn their attention to it rather than to its bonâ fide enemies, the Stoat, Owl, &c. Abounds on Breydon and the river "walls"; it here assumes a semi-aquatic life.

(Microtus agrestis). C.—Unquestionably on the increase. Abundant on some marshes. Is the favourite prey of the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).

(M. amphibius). C.—Found at almost every ditch-side. "The fact that the Water Vole is somewhat carnivorously inclined, or rather is piscivorous, I am fully satisfied, having observed them on several occasions devouring small fish left on a 'rond' beside my house-boat when moored in Kendall