

NOTES ON THE MAMMALS OF LAKE MAXINKUCKEE 25 



1 6. Zapus hudsonius (Zimmermann). 

 Jumping Mouse. 



This is another northern animal whose range southward reaches 

 northern Indiana. It is frequently reported from this part of the 

 state, particularly from the vicinity of Yellow River. It is also 

 said to be seen occasionally about Rochester a few miles southeast 

 of the lake. Our only definite record for the lake is of one found 

 dead near the ice houses on the west side of the lake August 26, 

 1906. This example gave the following measurements: length of 

 body, 80 mm.; tail 108 mm.; ear 5 mm.; hind foot 28 mm. 



Erethizon dorsatum (Linnaeus). 

 Porcupine. 



According to accounts given by old settlers in Indiana, the Por- 

 cupine was at one time not rare throughout the northern part of 

 the state. It was not uncommon for the inquisitive cow or the 

 dog to come home with its nose full of spines of the Porcupine. 

 It was the custom to hold the afflicted animal and pull out the spines 

 with pincers, as they stuck very tightly, while the suffering crea- 

 ture announced to the neighborhood the discovery it had made 

 that day. Troubles like this caused the settlers to wage a war of 

 extermination on the Porcupine, with the result that it is now rarely 

 or never seen. We have only one record of its recent occurrence 

 in this vicinity. According to Mr. S. S. Chadwick one was killed 

 a short distance west of Culver in the fall of 1887. 



18. Sylvilagus florid anus mearnsi (Allen). 

 Rabbit. 



The Rabbit or Cottontail is an abundant and well known animal 

 of the Maxinkuckee region. The large areas of uncultivated swamp- 

 land, abounding in tall grasses, sedges and small brushy shrubs, the 

 tamarack and other swamps, and the considerable tracts of timber, 

 often with heavy undergrowth, give a wide choice of location and 

 refuge. In all these Rabbits are usually quite abundant. Although 

 apt to be found almost anywhere, there are choice places where it 



