418 PKOCEEPINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1893. 



The range in the variation of external characters among the 

 Bassarisks from northern Mexico and the United States, excluding 

 the Oregon specimens, is not great, but variation in the size and pro- 

 portions of the skull in animals of the same age and sex from a 

 stated locality (Texas) is perplexing, seeming to connect flavus with 

 typical astutus. 



Color characters and body measurements on the other hand are 

 constant enough to establish their title to separate specific rank. 



Some cranial points seem to confirm this view, the molar dentition 

 of the two forms, however, is identical. A bona-fide Californian 

 specimen is as light-colored or lighter than Baird's pseudonymous 

 one, the latter (whose sole claim on our notice consists in its bare 

 nanie ) sharing the same characteristic tawny seen in darkest Texan 

 examples. The light hued Camp Grant specimen, mentioned (supra 

 cit. ) by Dr. Allen is in all respects only a small, pale flavus. 



The Oregon series on the other hand are almost as different, 

 externally, from average Texas skins as the latter are from true 

 astutus. The diminutive size, brownish black color, nearly black 

 upper tail, completeness of the terminal black rings mesially, etc. 

 are subspecific characters apparently separating oregonus from its 

 nearest congeners in the United States. 



