CHAPTER III.

MOLE RATS, POUCHED RATS, POUCHED MICE, JERBOAS, AND OCTODONTIDÆ.

SPALACIDÆ, OR MOLE RATS--Characteristics of the Family--Habits--Food--THE MOLE RAT--Distribution--Description--THE CHESTNUT MOLE RAT--THE NAKED MOLE RAT--THE STRAND MOLE RAT--Description--Habits--THE CAPE MOLE RAT--GEOMYIDÆ, OR POUCHED RATS--Characteristics of the Family--The Cheek-pouches--THE COMMON POCKET GOPHER--Distribution--Description--Burrowing--Runs--Subterranean Dwelling--THE NORTHERN POCKET GOPHER--HETEROMYINÆ, OR POUCHED MICE--Difficulties as to Position--Characteristics--PHILLIPS’ POCKET MOUSE--Where Found--Description--THE YELLOW POCKET MOUSE--THE LEAST POCKET MOUSE--DIPODIDÆ, OR JERBOAS--Organisation for Jumping--Characteristics--Distribution--THE AMERICAN JUMPING MOUSE--Description--Characters peculiar to itself--Habits--THE TRUE JERBOAS--Characters--THE JERBOA--Distribution--Habits--Mode of Locomotion--THE ALACTAGA--THE CAPE JUMPING HARE--THE PORCUPINE-LIKE RODENTS--OCTODONTIDÆ--Characteristics--Sub-Family CTENODACTYLINÆ--THE GUNDI--THE DEGU--Description--Habits--THE BROWN SCHIZODON--THE TUKOTUKO--THE CURURO--THE ROCK RAT--Sub-Family, ECHINOMYINÆ--THE COYPU--One of the Largest Rodents--Description--Burrows--Habits--Mother and Young--THE HUTIA CONGA--THE HUTIA CARABALI--THE GROUND RAT 120