GERBILLUS AURICULARIS.
of enamel, the second and third portions have somewhat the form of the Greek
letter /3, each portion with two rounded or oval cavities edged with enamel; the
second molar of the upper jaw has the crown divided transversely into two
parts, each of which is similarly formed to the two last described portions of
the first molar; the second molar of the lower jaw similarly divided, but not
exhibiting a resemblance to the letter /3; the anterior portion with a slight
transverse fossa at the summit, the last portion convex : the third molar of the
upper jaw, small cylindrical, and with a cup-shaped cavity at its apex, which is
surrounded by enamel; the third molar of the lower jaw consists of a simple
transverse lamina, without any cavity at its apex which is convex like the
last portion of the second molar of the same jaw. Temporal bull(B large,
hemispherical and semi-transparent.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the nose to
the base of the tail ............. 4 10
of the ta il..................... .......... 3 3
Distance between the tip of the nose
and the eye ........... ........ 0 8
Inches.
Distance betwen the eye and the ear . 0
Length of the ear ............ ■.—r.......... 0
of the tarsus of hind legs____ 0
Height when standing........................ 2
Thefemale (figure B) differs a little in colour from the male1; the upper parts
of the head, together with the back and sides, are intermediate between yellowish
brown, and sienna yellow, and all of these parts are variegated as in
the male with short delicate strise but of a deeper colour ; the extent of white
over the eyes is greater and the post-auricular tufts of white hair are smaller;
in other respects the two sexes appear much alike.
The shortness of the tail and the tuft or fringe of white hair behind each ear constitute
characters by which this animal is easily distinguished from the other species of the genus. It
never occurs, so far as I know, within three hundred miles o f Cape Town, and all the specimens
which I have seen were procured in the western districts of the continent, principally north of the
Orange river. It is said to be of migratory habits, and seldom to remain for any length, of
time in one locality; it flits generally, i f not always, during the night, and forms its burrows
in the new districts under cover of the darkness. It generally selects an open grassy plot
for its residence, and if such a spot is to be found in the neighbourhood of brushwood, that
appears to be invariably preferred. Its food consists of small insects, &c.