MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. papal 
being very light hazel darkened with Vandyke on the back and 
grayish below. There occurs a peculiar phase of coloration 
which is not known to correspond to any seasonal or physi- 
ological condition, where the animal is dark (almost black) 
gray and nearly concolor. In aged individuals there is a con- 
siderable admixture of white hairs, especially upon the head. 
In summer the feet and tail become nearly naked. 

‘The habits being entirely subterranean with the exception of 
rare nocturnal forays, our acquaintance with.the animal must 
necessarily be formed under unfavorable conditions. Itis little 
wonder that when dragged ruthlessly from its home a prisoner in 
the jaws of a trap, the recluse-like animal produces an unfavora- 
ble impression. When thus brought into the blinding glare of 
the daylight he throws himself back upon his haunches, elevates 
his head, and, half in fury, half in pain, gnashes his teeth and 
utters the aspirated sigh-like spit which is the only note of 
offense. Blinded by the light, he turns toward every sound 
and appears quite demented. But in the seclusion of his bur- 
row or when once on friendly terms with his captor, he appears 
a very different creature. Perhaps we are the only persons 
who have had the opportunity to study the interesting habits 
of the Geomys in captivity. After a short time he becomes 
perfectly tame and an engaging pet. When tirst secured he ate 
sparingly of potato but evinced decided preference for leaves 
and rhizomes of red clover, seizing them in one fore paw, which 
was used as a pair of forceps by bringing the long claws in op- 
position to the callosity of the palm, and feeding himself 
gracefully. While eating he assumed a semi-erect attitude 
and arched the back much as the muskrat does. In eating a 
