THE JERBOA.
[To THE EDITOP. OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—As the jerboa is rarely known as a domestic pet, some account of my experience of this charming little animal may be perhaps interesting. On becoming unex- pectedly possessed of a specimen, just after the return of oar troops from Egypt, I at once consulted various natural histories as to treatment, feed, and possibilities of taming, &c., and was somewhat discouraged by the information that the jerboa is exceedingly timid, and not tameable beyond a certain point. However, I found that my new pet, in fact, appeared not to know what fear is, and also that, besides being very docile, he seemed to be gifted with an almost uncanny power of comprehending what was said to him. He is, indeed, the tamest and gentlest pet I ever have kept. He never attempts to bite, and allows a pair of Japanese mice to pull his fur, nibble his tail, or dart at his long whiskers without heeding them any more than a Newfoundland dog would a playful puppy. Yet Puck' is of a vivacious temperament, flitting with lightning speed to and fro, when let out of his cage, doubling backwards and for- wards, and endeavouring by all means in his power to excite any one present to join in the race. When he is tired, with a jump and a run, he seeks to gain his mistress's lap, and is ready to be fondled and nursed to sleep, or put back into his bed. Being chiefly nocturnal in his habits, he spends a large part of his time in his box of hay, but likes a scamper now and again during the day. The great objection to a jerboa is that, being a rodent, his impulse is to bite curtains and carpets, and gnaw furniture. In his diet he is most abstemious. Canary-seed, an ear or two of wheat, and a little fresh lettuce have, so far, entirely satisfied him. One wishes one knew what succulent delicacies he fed upon in his Egyptian home. In his habits he is neat and dainty. There is no smell from his far, as in the case of mice or monkeys. In form the jerboa is like an infinitesimal kangaroo, but he is not a marsupial.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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