206 BULLETIN NO. VII. 



SUBGENUS PEDOMYS, BAIRD. 



Though no member of the sub-genus has been encountered 

 in the progress of these investigations, it is certain that parts 

 of Minnesota fall within the range of P. austerus as well as, 

 possibly, of P. curtains. 



The characters given by Coues are as follows: 

 "Postero-superior molar with an anterior transverse loop, 

 two interior triangles, one exterior triangle, and a posterior 

 U , V-, or Y- shaped loop (as in Pitymys and Chilotus). 

 Medio-superior molar with an anterior, two exterior, and only 

 one interior triangle (lacking the supplementary postero-inter- 

 ior spur or triangle of Myonomes). Antero-inferior molar with 

 a posterior transverse loop, two interior closed triangles, one 

 exterior closed triangle, another exterior and another interior 

 open triangle, and an anterior irregular trefoil. * * Perfect 

 plantar tubercles only five." 



Arvicola (Pedomys) austerus LEG. 



Very similar to Arvicola riparius but more compactly formed, 

 and with harsher pelage. The color is a muddy brown above 

 and a rusty plumbeous below; four inches long; tail 1.25; hind 

 foot 0.70. 



Since writing the above, Dr. Merriam has described* 

 a new variety of A. austerus differing from the type chiefly in 

 size and living upon the upland prairies. This mouse was first 

 collected by Mr. Vernon Bailey, chiefly from Dakota, but the 

 range also includes portions of western Minnesota, about Orton- 

 ville. The description is sab- joined. 



Arvicola austerus minor MERRIAM. 



"Type ||||, male, Merriam collection. From Bottineau, 

 Turtle Mt, Dakota, Aug. 27, 1887. 



Description of Type. Similar to Arvicola austerus, but much 

 smaller; length from end of nose to tip of tail vertebrae (meas- 

 ured in the flesh), 133 mm.; tail vertebrae, 36 mm.; hind foot, 

 16. 5 mm. ; ears rather prominent, slightly overtopping the fur. 



Color. Upper parts uniform grizzled gray; under parts whit- 

 ish, washed with pale cinnamon. Viewed from behind, looking 

 away from the light, the whole head, sides and back appear to 



*DR. C. HART MERRIAM. Description of a New Prairie Meadow Mouse (Arvicola aus- 

 terus minor) from Dakota and Minnesota. American Naturalist, 1888, p. 598. 



