The principal points of distinction between this and the tw'o preceding
species are pointed out in the account of 31. elegans.
Upon comparing the skull of M. gracilipes (PI. 34, fig. 4. a.) with that of 3Ius
3Iiisculus, the most striking differences consist in its shorter and broader form, the
upper surface being more arched, the interparietal bone has a relatively smaller
antero-posterior diameter, the occipital region is more convex, and continued more
gently and gradually into the upper region of the skull. The zygomatic arch,
which is unusually slender, is more dilated (especially on the anterior part)
thus giving a squareness to the general form. The nasal bones are not so much
attenuated posteriorly. The length of the skull is 8| lines, the greatest width is
5 | lines, and the distance between the outer side of the incisors and the front
molar is 2| lines.
The dentition is figured in Plate 34, figs. 4. b and 4. c.
“ This specimen was given me by Mr. Bynoe, the surgeon of the Beagle, who
caught it amongst some long dry grass.”—D.
M u s FLAVESCENS.
P late X II I
5Iiis flavescens, Waterh., Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, for February 1837, p. 19.
31. suprà colore cinnamomeo, lateribus capitis, corporisque, oequè ac pectore, auratis ;
guU abdomineque Jlavescenti-alhis : pedibus sordide albis : auribus mediocribus
rotundatis, pilis Jiavis obsitis : cauda, corpore, capiteque longiore, suprà fused, subtùs
sordidè albâ : tarsis longis.
D e s c r ip t io n .— Furlong and moderately soft; general colour of the upper parts
bright brownish yellow ; on tlie sides of the head and body bright yellow ;
towards the rump of a deeper hue, and inclining to orange ; under parts pale
yellow, or yellow-white ; chest yellow. The fur both of the upper and under
parts of the body deep plumbeous at the base. Feet flesh colour, covered
above with white hairs: tarsi long, naked beneath. Ears small, tolerably
well clothed with hairs ; those on the inner side yellow, but many of them
blackish at the base ; on the outer side, the hairs are blackish on the fore part
and yellow on the hinder part. The hairs of the ordinary fur of the back are
of a deep rich yellow colour at the tip, and the longer hairs are blackish.
The tail is long, deep brown above and whitish beneath ; the hairs of the