MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 227 



being very light hazel darkened with Vandyke on the back and 

 grayish below. There occurs a peculiar phase of coloration 

 which is not known to correspond to any seasonal or physi- 

 ological condition, where the animal is dark (almost black) 

 gray and nearly concolor. In aged individuals there is a con- 

 siderable admixture of white hairs, especially upon the head. 

 In summer the feet and tail become nearly naked. 



\ 



Fig. 16. 



' 'The habits being entirely subterranean with the exception of 

 rare nocturnal forays, our acquaintance with the animal must 

 necessarily be formed under unfavorable conditions. It is little 

 wonder that when dragged ruthlessly from its home a prisoner in 

 the jaws of a trap, the recluse-like animal produces an unfavora- 

 ble impression. When thus brought into the blinding glare of 

 the daylight he throws himself back upon his haunches, elevates 

 his head, and, half in fury, half in pain, gnashes his teeth and 

 utters the aspirated sigh -like spit which is the only note of 

 offense. Blinded by the light, he turns toward every sound 

 and appears quite demented. But in the seclusion of his bur- 

 row or when once on friendly terms with his captor, he appears 

 a very different creature. Perhaps we are the only persons 

 who have had the opportunity to study the interesting habits 

 of the Geomys in captivity. After a short time he becomes 

 perfectly tame and an engaging pet. When first secured he ate 

 sparingly of potato but evinced decided preference for leaves 

 and rhizomes of red clover, seizing them in one fore paw, which 

 was used as a pair of forceps by bringing the long claws in op- 

 position to the callosity of the palm, and feeding himself 

 gracefully. While eating he assumed a semi-erect attitude 

 and arched the back much as the muskrat does. In eating a 



