HUNTING THE JUMPING MOUSE. 887 



State, and so much resembles in its form the European Rabbit, 

 that the same popular name has been applied to it, although differ- 

 ing in color and some of its habits. This, however, is of no con- 

 sequence, for the name of American or Gray Rabbit is sufficiently 

 distinctive. It has not a wide geographical range. It is found 

 from New Hampshire to Florida, but its western limits. are not yet 

 established. 



The Jumping Mouse is found from Hudson's Bay to Pennsyl- 

 vania, and through the Western States to the mouth of the Columbia 

 river. From the distribution of its colors, and its slender propor- 

 tions, it has a delicate and beautiful appearance. It is very agile, 

 jumping in the manner of the deer-mouse, and is, in common with 

 that animal, called ihe jumping mouse. It seems to prefer forests 

 and wooded places, but is often found in meadows or cultivated 

 grounds, where grain and seeds of grasses abound. It is said to 

 build its nest in trees. According to Richardson, in thfe northern 

 regions, it becomes an inmate of the fur establishments, and makes 

 hoards of grain in various places. It is usually about six inches 

 long ; the color is brownish alone, the feet and beneath being 

 white. The tail is hairy, being as long as the body. They arc 

 said to be quite as good eating as the most of the qi -rels, ano. 

 kre frequently trapped by the hunters 



