Bandicoot Rat, MALABAR RAT, or PIG-RAT

Bandicoot Rat, MALABAR RAT, or PIG-RAT (Mus giganteus), the largest known species of rat. The name is a corruption of the Telinga pandikoku, literally signifying pig-rat. The animal inhabits many parts of India, and is plentiful in Ceylon. It is chiefly found in dry situations, and often in hilly districts. It attains the weight of two or three pounds, and is 24 to 30 inches long, including the tail, which at the base is 2½ inches in circumference. The body is thick, and greatly arched, black above, grayish below. Its flesh is a favourite article of food with the coolies of India, and is said to be delicate, and much to resemble young pork. It feeds chiefly on grain and roots, and is very destructive in gardens. Its nests, when rifled, are frequently found to contain considerable quantities of rice, stored up against the dry season.