PRAIRIE MEADOW MOUSE 89 



or blackish about the nose ; color below buffy gray or pale brownish 

 gray. 



Measurements. Total length, 6.00 inches; tail vertebras, 1.30 

 inches; hind foot, 0.80 inch. 



This form may be distinguished from its closest ally in our rep- 

 resentatives of the family, the meadow mouse, by the somewhat 

 smaller size, the grizzled upper parts, and the buffy or brownish 

 under parts ; in addition, the prairie meadow mouse has but .five 

 calloused patches on the soles of the feet and the teats are six in 

 number, 



Habits, Distribution, Etc. The natural habitat of the prairie 

 meadow mouse is in dry fields and overgrown pastures of open 

 prairie country, and hence it is very likely to destroy cultivated 

 areas. Many native meadows, borders of corn and small grain 

 fields, as well as cultivated clover and alfalfa fields are overrun 

 with these animals. Wherever grasses and weeds are allowed to- 



FIG. 23. Apple tree killed by Prairie Mice. (From U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, Bureau of Biological Survey.) 



grow and accumulate in dried matted bundles these mice are likely 

 to be found. Pastures and neglected orchards are favored situations 

 also, but if closely pastured the mice are driven elsewhere. If cul- 

 tivated crops are not in the vicinity, their trails in some instances 



