ART. VIII.-NOTES ON THE MAMMALS OF FORT SISSETON,

DAKOTA.

BY C. E. MCCHESNEY, M. D.,

Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

Annotated by DR. ELLIOTT COUES, U. S. A.

[The following paper was prepared by Dr. McChesney as a contribution of material to my forthcoming History of North American Mammals. Representing as it does much valuable and interesting information from original observations, it is published intact, in advance of its incorporation in substance in my work. In making my acknowledgments to the author for his cordial and well-considered collaboration, I would especially call attention to his dissections of the peculiar pouches of the Geomyidæ, supposed not to have hitherto been examined anatomically, as well as to the many reliable measurements of fresh specimens, which increase the value of the preparations with which he has favored me.

The collection has been deposited, in accordance with Dr. McChesney's wish, in the National Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, excepting a number of specimens intended for osteological preparations, which have been placed, likewise by Dr. McChesney's desire, in the Army Medical Museum.

I have myself confirmed the author's identifications in nearly all cases. My annotations are bracketed, with my initials.-E. C.]

FELIDE.

LYNX CANADENSIS, (Geoff.) Raf.

The Canada Lynx, I am informed on what I believe to be reliable authority, was a few years ago not uncommon on the "Coteau des Prairies", and even within a year past one or two animals believed to belong to this species have been seen; but no specimen has been secured by me.

CANIS LATRANS, Say.

CANIDE.

The Prairie Wolf, or Coyote, is found in this vicinity in very limited. numbers, and is the only representative of the genus Canis, with the exception of C. familiaris, which forms an important part of this, much the same as in other frontier military garrisons.

VULPES VULGARIS PENNSYLVANICUS, (Bodd.) Coues.

The American Red Fox is trapped in this vicinity by Indians, but is not very abundant. The special state of semi-melanism occurring in this animal, and constituting var. decussatus, or the Cross Fox, is seen to some extent here.

PUTORIUS ERMINEA, (Linn.) Cur.

The White Weasel, or Ermine, is found here in small numbers. Specimens in winter dress show considerable sulphur-yellow on the tail and hind feet.

PUTORIUS LONGICAUDA, Rich.

The Long-tailed Ermine is not common in this vicinity. Two specimens only have been secured, the measurements of which are as follows:

The Mink is common, as is attested by the number of skins offered for trade by the Indians, in this vicinity.

TAXIDEA AMERICANA, (Bodd.) Baird.

The American Badger is found here in small numbers. Like other furbearing animals, it is hunted by the Indians for purposes of trade, and the flesh is often used by them as food.

MEPHITIS MEPHITICA, (Shaw) Baird.

The generally abused American Skunk is common on the "Coteau des Prairies". The fact is that the Skunk is not nearly as bad an animal as most people would have us believe. In his way, which may be humble, he is capable of, and does, much good. He is insectivorous to a remarkable degree, consuming vast quantities of insects that are injurious to vegetation. Instances of his kindness might be cited in proof of his often genial disposition, and he only follows the coarser instincts of his nature when molested, and for this surely the animal is not to blame; but under such circumstances, I must confess I prefer to admire him at that safe distance which "lends enchantment to the view".

URSUS AMERICANUS, Pall.

URSIDE.

The Black Bear was once of very common occurrence in this vicinity. None have been seen of late years within fifty or sixty miles of this post. It has disappeared probably in consequence of being persistently pur sued by the Indians.

PROCYONIDE.

PROCYON LOTOR, (Linn.) Storr.

A few years

The Common Raccoon is not now found in this vicinity. ago it was not uncommon to find it on the slopes of the Coteau.

BOVIDE.

BISON AMERICANUS, (Gm.) H. Smith.

The American Buffalo was a few years ago numerous on the "Coteau des Prairies"; none, however, have been seen here since 1868. The bones of many may be seen at the present day scattered over the prairie. The steady advances of civilization have forced the Buffalo, in common with all the large mammals, from this locality, and into comparatively narrow limits, where, unless protection is extended, it must ere long be numbered with the animals of the past.

ANTILOCAPRIDE.

ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA, Ord.

The Prong-horn Antelope was formerly very abundant, but is now rarely seen here. Occasionally we hear of this animal having been seen on the western slope of the Coteau, having doubtless come from the valley of the James River, about thirty-five miles from the post.

CERVIDE.

CARIACUS MACROTIS, (Say) Gray.

The Mule or Black-tailed Deer is not now found on the Coteau to my knowledge. The last I have heard of being killed in this vicinity occurred three years ago at Clear Lake, about ten miles from the post.

CARIACUS VIRGINIANUS, (Bodd.) Gray.

The White-tailed Deer was some ten years ago very common in this vicinity; none have been seen for several years past.

VESPERTILIONIDE.

One or more species of the ordinary Bats are certainly represented here, but no specimens have been procured, and I do not therefore desire to commit myself to any determination of species.

[?]SOREX COOPERI, Bach.

SORICIDE.*

I believe that Cooper's Shrew is moderately abundant in this locality; but as specimens of this genus are very difficult of identification, those I have collected have been submitted to Dr. Coues for determination.

*[I have been unable to find time to give Dr. McChesney's Soricide the critical attention they require, and these identifications must be considered provisional. Besides the two species presented, the collection contains Neosorex palustris, received since this paper was prepared.-E. C.]

The measurements of the specimens collected, and believed to be referable to S. cooperi, are as follows:

The Short-tailed Shrew is not abundant, but, where found in this vicin ity, appears to have a preference for cultivated fields. The measurements of specimens taken are as follows:-

The Jumping Mouse is found on the "Coteau des Prairies ", but, much as elsewhere, is not numerous.

MUS MUSCULUS, Linn.

MURIDE.

That the common House Mouse has successfully made his way to this part of the world is sufficiently well attested by the number now found here.

Specimens taken do not present any appreciable variations either of size or color from those taken elsewhere.

Genus HESPEROMYS.

HESPEROMYS LEUCOPUS SONORIENSIS, (LeC.) Coues.

This variety of the Deer or White-footed Mouse is found all over the prairie in this vicinity, and, under favorable circumstances, replaces the common House Mouse.

I have observed this Mouse breeding in the early part of May and also in August. Three to seven usually constitute the litter as observed here.

The following measurements are those of a few of the specimens preserved.

[Judging from the measurements, I suppose true leucopus to be included in the list.-E. C.]

HESPEROMYS (ONYCHOMYS) LEUCOGASTER, (Maxim.) Baird.

The Missouri Mouse is moderately abundant in this vicinity. I have, however, thus far had but little success in trapping it; most of the speci mens secured have been taken by judiciously trained cats, sensible enough in the majority of cases not to mutilate their victims. Ten of these Mice have been so captured, seven of which have been preserved, and three were found to be too badly damaged to serve any useful purpose. Of late, I have succeeded in capturing this mouse by use of the "eagle's claw" trap.

On the eastern slope of the small plateau on which the post is situated are several old "shacks", constructed one-half or two-thirds underground, and inhabited by Indians; it is in and about these caves that the Missouri Mouse has been taken. What special attraction there may be in