240 Natural History Bulletin. 



Class MAMMALIA. 



Nothing more than a fragmentar}'- list of the mammals of 

 this region can be given. Indeed, it may be regarded as 

 merely a preliminary list, which it is hoped will be greatly 

 extended in the near future by the researches of Mr. Frank 

 Russell, who is now working in that region in the interests of 

 this University. 



Order RODENTIA. 



Lepus AMERiCANUS Erxleben. A hare described by the 

 natives is either this or L. cam^estris. 



Erethizon dorsatus (L). Porcupine. The quills of this 

 animal are used by the Canadian Indians to ornament their 

 birch bark work. The Iroquois especially, are skilled in dye- 

 ing these quills in brilliant colors, and working them into 

 fancy patterns in their birch bark baskets, mats, etc. 



Caloyms michiganensis (Aud. & Bach.). Mouse. One 

 specimen secured at Chemawawin. 



Castor fiber (L). Beaver. It is somewhat doubtful 

 whether the beaver occurs at present in the region under con- 

 sideration. One Indian seems to think that it is still to be 

 seen, but Hudson's Bay officers consider it scarce, and it does 

 not figure in their yearly returns of furs. 



Fiber zibethicus (L). Musk Rat. '-'■ Musquash'''' oi the 

 Indians. This is really the most important fur-bearing animal 

 of the lower Saskatchewan. We saw immense bales of their 

 skins packed for shipment. The skins are stretched on 

 frames to dry, the frames being fitted inside the skins, which 

 are stretched fur side in and packed in bales, each bale con- 

 taining, apparently, thousands of skins. The vast extent of 

 swamp and muskeg must be a veritable paradise for this ani- 

 mal, which seems to fairly hold its own in spite of the yearly 



