Bandicoot Rat

Bandicoot Rat (Nesokia bandicota), a gigantic rat, distributed over the Indian and Malay peninsulas. Above it is hairy and black, the lower surface inclining to gray. A female, figured in the Transactions of the Linnaean Society (vol. vii.) measured 26-1/4 inches, of which the tail was 11 in. and weighed 2 lbs. 11-1/2 oz. The male is larger, and has been known to weigh 3 lbs. It is a most mischievous and destructive animal, preying on grain and vegetables, and if these are scarce attack ing poultry. The name "bandicoot" is a corruption of Telinga pandikoku = Pig Rat, by which name the animal is sometimes known.