MAMMALS MELINAE MEPHITIS MESOMELAS. 



199 



species, or that corresponding to the M. zorilla, be distinct, it will probably be necessary to im 

 pose a new name upon it, that of Lichtenstein being clearly inadmissible. 



Measurements. 



Several skulls of a very small species of Mephitis were collected by Mr. Clark at Indianola ; 

 but no skins saved. These, though perfectly adult, are scarcely larger than those of the common 

 ermine weasel, P. noveboracensis, measuring but two inches in length. The skull is more 

 pointed anteriorly than in other species of North American skunks ; the line of intersection of 

 tangents to the upper canines and molars falling little more than half the length of the palate 

 in advance of the incisors, instead of nearly the whole length of the palate, as in M. chinga. 

 The last upper molar is narrower, longitudinally, than in this last mentioned species. 



List of specimens. 



MEPHITIS MESOMELAS, Licht. 



Mephitis mesomelas, LICHT. Darst. Saugt. 1827-34; tab. Iv, f. 2. IB. Abh. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1836, (1838,) 277. 



gp. CH. Soles entirely covered with hair beneath. A narrow white line from the nose to the vertex, and a nuchal stripe, 

 truncated anteriorly, divided behind into two, which extend along the sides of the back and of the tail. 



The very remarkable character exhibited by this species in the densely hairy soles, with the 

 short fore claws, separates it at once from all others. Lichtenstein, who describes it first, from 

 specimens in the museums of Leyden and Berlin, quotes it as occurring in Louisiana and on the 

 Missouri river, though no American naturalist or collector seems to know anything about it. 

 The length of body is given at nineteen inches, of the tail at nine. I have never met with the 

 species, and introduce it here for the purpose of calling attention to it. 



Some other species of skunks which may possibly occur within the limits of the United States 

 are the following : 



