THE JERBOA. 71

ancients, and common in Palestine, was Felis jubata, the
hunting leopard (thus agreeing with the frequent allusions
to its swiftness); this species being now found in those
countries known to the ancients, while the Felis Leopardus
is principally obtained from the Eastern Archipelago, with
which they had little communication.

Orprr RODENTIA.

Dreus sacrrra.—The Jerboa. (Plate IT.)

There is no animal mentioned by this name in the Scrip-
tures, but it is supposed that wherever the word mouse oc-
curs, a species of Dipus is intended. The singular genus to
which it belongs is a connecting link between the squirrel
and the rat, while the enormous size of the hind legs and
tail give it a great general resemblance to the kangaroo.
The body of the most common species measures about eight
inches, and the tail no less than ten, terminated by a tuft of
black hair; the colour is a tawny yellow; the head is short,
the ears thin, broad, upright, and rounded ; the eyes large
and dark ; the fore legs about an inch in length, the hind
legs extremely long, and greatly resembling those of a bird ;