40 Transaction.s of the Kansas 



and their burrows through the sand leave permanent rounded ridges of dirt. 

 They bring forth their young early in May, gravid females being found as late as 

 the second of the month. The first appearance of the young above ground was 

 about the twentieth. Five was the largest number noted in one litter. The bur- 

 rows do not descend far into the ground ; one that was followed for ten feet was in 

 no place more than twenty inches from tlie surface. They throw little or no dirt out 

 from their burrows, choosing their entrances from little mounds, especially among 

 the sage brush. The burrows frequently have more than one opening, but not 

 always. In one case the young were driven out more than forty yards away fi'om 

 the hole in which water was poured. I caught, in this way, a dozen or more of the 

 little fellows, taming them with but little difficulty, they readily feeding from my 

 hands on crackers, cheese or grass. They were especially fond of milk, which they 

 drank in large quantities. They spent most of the time in sleep, and although not 

 very playful, were most interesting pets, scolding vehemently when annoyed. One 

 of them finally learned the trick of raising a wire in his cage and escaping, repeat- 

 ing it several times, till hut five were left. The last time they nibbled some pois- 

 oned bird skins, and died from the efl'ect. 



They will frequently climb high up in the sage bushes, and sit quietly feeding 

 upon leaves or grass that they have carried. They certainly never from choice feed 

 upon sage leaves. In the latter part of July they lose nearly all timidity in their 

 eager search for winter's food, entering the open doors to pick up crumbs thrown 

 from the table, and scrambling over one's feet in their restless eagerness. I have 

 been told by several competent observers, that before the close of August they 

 suddenly and completely disappear, not to again show themselves before the fol- 

 lowing spring. 



It seems to me very probable that many of the spermophiles undergo a more or 

 less semi-torpid hibernation during the winter months. A species common through 

 Kansas (tridecemlineata) I have frequently tamed. The young make their appear- 

 ance late in May, and within a few minutes after being caught, will be eating con- 

 tentedly from one's hand. Three thus tamed were unintentionally left exposed 

 one frosty night. The next morning I was very sorry to find my pets cold and 

 ■without the least sign of life. I threw them forcibly away, and my amazement 

 was great when, a few hours later, the cat brought one in not yet dead. Searching 

 for the other two, I found them and replaced them in their cage, where they were 

 soon eagerly feeding. I afterwards found them susceptible to the same torpor for 

 many hours at a time, when exposed to the cold. 



BOTANICAL ADDENDA. 



By Prof. .T. H. ('arruth. 



Since the "Centennial Catalogue of the Plants of Kansas " was prepared, nearly 

 a year has elapsed, aud I am able to add the following species. I am indebted to 

 Mr. B. B. Smyth, of Ellinwood, Barton Co. ; to Mr. James Wilson, now at Arkan- 

 sas City, Cowley Co. ; to Mr, Joseph Henry, of Salina; to Prof. Wherrell, of Leav- 

 enworth ; to some person unknown, but probably from the southeast corner of the 



