SCIURID^ 71 



Modoc Counties they do some harm, more particularly by reduc- 

 ing the pasturage where they are abundant. 



The food is principally grass and annual plants, but on one 

 occasion I caught a Belding Ground-Squirrel in a meat baited 

 trap, and it is probable that they eat grasshoppers and other 

 insects as well as seeds. They are not edible as their flesh is 

 very rank. The alarm is half a dozen loud, clear, sharp whistles 

 rapidly uttered. They often sit up very erect, with the fore- 

 feet held close to the breast. This habit has given them the 

 name of "Picket-pin", from the resemblance to a stake driven 

 in the grass. They are also known locally as "Prairie-dog" and 

 "Woodchuck." 



The young are born late, as might be expected from the 

 altitude of the region which they inhabit, from the latter part 

 of May to July. This species hibernates regularly, going into 

 winter quarters in September. 



Citellus mollis Stephens! Merriam. (Soft; for F. 

 Stephens. ) 



STEPHENS GROUND-SQUIRREL. 



Pelage comparatively long and soft ; head, neck and should- 

 ers grayish buff; back grizzled buffy drab; tail above like the 

 back, the tip and under side grayish buff; below soiled buffy 

 white. 



Length about 212 mm. (8.33 inches) ; tail vertebrae 50 

 (2) ; hind foot 33 (1.30) ; ear from, crown 3 (.12). 



Type locality. Queen Station, north end of Owen Valley, 

 Nevada. 



The Stephens Ground-Squirrels were rather common in the 

 valleys of eastern Mono County, California, and the adjoin- 

 ing part of Nevada, from 5,000 to 7,000 feet altitude. They 

 were feeding on the sage brush and were excessively fat. Their 

 habits appeared to be similar to those of the Mohave Ground- 

 Squirrels. 



