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Show 1894.] ON THE MAMMALS OP URUGUAY. 297 captivity. On referring to the literature of the species, I find that the animal has been figured by S. Midler (Zool. Ind. Archip., M a m m . pi. xvii.) under the name Potamophilus barbatus, and by M M . Eydoux and Souleyet (Voyage de la Bonite, M a m m . pi. vi.). But a comparison of the present sketch with the figures given by the above-named authors will at once show that their figures could not have been drawn from life, and that both are practically useless for the purpose of identification. In form and size this animal resembles partly a Prionodon and partly a Paradoxurus. The head is elongated, muzzle broad and depressed, the breadth of the muzzle appearing more pronounced owing to the exceptional character of the upper lip, which is much thickened in order to support the roots of the abundant and well-developed whiskers. A bunch of whiskers below each ear and close to the outer angle of the eye; also an intermediate set on each side of the nose between the eye and the lip. A tuft of vibrissae on the chin between the lower lip and tbe throat. Eyes large and oblique ; ears small and round; nostrils with distinct lobes adapted for a subaquatic life. Tail moderate and thick. Prevailing colour of the coat grey, grizzled white on the back, rump, and outer aspects of the limbs; a dark band on the crown and nape; eyebrows white to a certain extent; a white spot on each side of the head below the ears corresponding with the place of insertion of the whiskers in this region ; lips white. PJnder-parts blackish. Tip of the tail whitish. Toes slightly webbed, resembling those of Lutra leptonyx from a distance. Length of the head and body about 32 inches, tail about 9-5 inches. Except very early in the morning I have never seen this animal leave its cage during the day, and though it never appears to be particularly savage, it always resents the approach of its keeper or anyone else by a sort of low subdued snarling. The presence of a strong Civet-like smell near its cage, especially at night, unmistakably indicates the possession of odoriferous glands. Although said to be omnivorous, it shows greater partiality for an animal than a vegetable diet, and relishes fish more than flesh. I have never observed it indulgiug in its aquatic habits here. Calcutta, January 10, 1894. 3. Field-Notes on the Mammals of Urnguay. By O. V. APLIN. [Eeceived March 3, 1894.] The following notes relate almost entirely to the Departments of Soriano and Rio Negro, and were made during a residence in the country from October 1892 to June 1893. M y thanks are due to Mr. Oldfield Thomas for his kindness in naming such of the species as were unknown to me, and in giving me the correct modern names for some others. |