824 MONOGRAPHS OF NORTH AMERICAN RODENTIA. 
Several of the species are remarkable among our North American 
Rodentia for their carnivorous propensities. This has been especially noted 
by Dr. P. R. Hoy in the case of S. tridecemlineatus, who has made the habits 
of this animal the subject of careful study.* He has not only observed the 
destruction of mice and small squirrels by them while in a state of confine- 
ment, but has convinced himself that they are a useful check upon the increase 
of the different species of Arvicole and other field-mice, and says that Ground 
Squirrels cannot inhabit the same locality. He says,—‘‘When a Squirrel or 
other small animal is put into a cage with one of these [Spermophiles], it 
will, in a moment, be all animation and activity, darting at the intruder, 
inflicting a wound and flying back with such rapidity as to leave but little 
chance for defence. As soon as it has disabled its antagonist, it seizes it by 
the back of the neck and instantly kills it. During these combats, the 
Gopher utters a low snarling growl, and emits a Musteline odor. After kill- 
ing, they remove the upper part of the skull, suck the blood, and eat out the 
brains. The carcass is then devoured as occasion requires ; but if an abun- 
dant supply is at hand, they only eat the brains, resembling in this respect 
the Weasel.” He adds,—‘‘I am satisfied that when the case of ‘Benefits 
versus Injuries’ is properly investigated, the agricultural interests will promptly 
decide that the ‘Striped Spermophile’ is an advantage to the country, and is 
deserving of protection rather than destruction from the hands of the farmer. 
They keep in check the Meadow Mice (Arvicola) and other small quadru- 
peds.” He further suggests that it might possibly prove useful in extermi- 
nating the Pouched Gopher (Geomys bursarius). Mr. Kennicott adds that 
Dr. Hoy had informed him that he had found the skins of Meadow Mice in 
the burrows of this animal. 
Mr. Kennicott states further, that the Gray Spermophile (S. franklini) is 
also to some extent carnivorous, and that he had heard farmers complain of 
their destroying young chickens.t I have also been informed byMr. 8. Jill- 
son, of Tuckerton, N. J., that the small colony of these animals that have 
recently become, by accident, established in that neighborhood, destroy young 
chickens and turkeys. Dr. Couest has recorded that S. richardsoni feeds 
largely upon the carcasses of buffalo. Mr. H. W. Henshaw also states that 
*See U.S. Patent Office Report, Agricultural, for 1853, pp. 68-70. 
+U. 8. Patent Office Report, Agricultural, for 1856, p. 80. 
¢ American Naturalist, ix, Mar. 1875, p. 173. 
