72 



INSECTIVORA 



Bern, 1 (U.S.N.M.) ; Miirren, 2; Goschenen, Uri, 2 (U.S.N.M.) ; St. Got- 

 hard, Uri, 1 (U.S.N.M.) ; Ziiberwangen, St. Gallen, 8 (B.M. and U.S.N.M.) ; 

 St. Fiden, St. Gallen, 2 (U.S.N.M.); Murgsee region, St. Gallen, 5 

 (U.S.N.M.) ; Au, St. Gallen, 1 (U.S.N.M.) ; Uzwil, St. Gallen, 1 (U.S.N.M.) ; 

 Sitterwald, St. Gallen, 1 (U.S.N.M.) ; Paido, Ticino, 1 ; Gordola, Locarno, 

 Ticino, 3 ; Porlezza, Ticino, 1 (Mottaz) ; Muzzano, Ticino, 1 (Mottaz) ; no 

 exact locality, 1. 



Italy : Busalla, Liguria, 3 ; Vallombrosa, Florence, 1. 



Remarks. — There is much individual variation in colour as 

 well as in external measurements and proportions,* though the 

 size of the skull and teeth, as may be seen from the Tables, 

 remains very constant. The degree of development of the fringes 

 on feet and keel on tail is also variable, the depth of the keel in 

 some individuals being about equal to diameter of tail, while in 

 others it is too slight to be measured. This is partly, if not 

 entirely, due to season, as the deepest keels are found in winter 

 specimens. With regard to the variations in external measure- 

 ments shown by the averages and extremes in a preceding 

 paragraph, it is probable that they are much exaggerated by 

 different methods in taking the measurements. This is well 

 illustrated by the two series of Pyrenean specimens measured 

 by A. Robert at an interval of six years. While much 

 material has been examined it is not wholly satisfactory, con- 

 sisting chieHy of small lots taken by many different collectors. 

 Eventually it may be necessary to recognize certain Continental 

 forms such as minor, naias, and the Scandinavian linneana, as 

 distinct from true fodiens ; but for the present, in view of the 

 uncertainties concerning external measurements and the striking 

 similarity of skulls from the entire range of the animal, there 

 seems to be no other alternative than to regard all the Con- 

 tinental water-shrews with keeled tail as belonging to a single 



1. Vefsen, Nordland, Nor- E. G. B. Meade 5. 7. 1. 1. 



way. Waldo (c & p). 



6. Kvikne, Hedemarken, G. Barrett-Hamilton 11. 1. 2. 88. 



2200 ft. [N. F. Ticc- (p). 



hurst.) 



9. Brekkebygden, Trond- G. Barrett-Hamilton 11. 1. 2. 89. 



bjem [N. F. Ticehurst.) (p). 



1. Botbnia, Sweden. Purchased. (Wahl- 38. 9. 24. 14. 



berg.) 



9. Medstugan, Jemtland, Lord Lilford (p). 11. 1. 1. 147. 



550 m. (G. KoWioff.) 



2 9. Guines, Pas-de-Caiais, 0. Thomas (c & p). 94: 6. 6. 1-2. 



France. 



6, 2 9. Porte, Pyr^n^es-Orieu- 0. Thomas (p). 8. 9. 1. 39-41. 



tales, 1600-1700 m. 



France. [A. Robert.) 



* This tendency to variation, coupled with the animal's peculiarly 

 attractive and interesting appearance, has led to the creation of the most 

 formidable synonymy (33 distinct names) yet applied to a European 

 mammal. 



