88 CHECK LIST OF THE 



GENUS MUS. 



(12) Mus decumanus. 



(Brown Rat, Norway Rat.) 



This destructive creature was introduced into America from Europe 

 about 1775 an< 3 has since spread to all parts where white men have settled. 

 Its most persistent enemy is the weasel. If one of these creatures takes 

 up its abode near a barn all the rats must leave it, or be killed. 



(13) Mus musculus. 



(Common House Mouse.) 



The date of its introduction into this country is not known, but the 

 animal itself is only too familiar to all housekeepers in town and country. 

 In proportion to its size it is capable of doing more mischief in barn and 

 granary than any pest we have. 



FAMILY CASTORID^E. (THE BEAVERS.) 



GENUS CASTOR. 



(14) Castor canadensis. 



(American Beaver.) 



A few years ago this valuable fur-bearing animal was perilously near 

 extinction in our Province, but owing to the protection wisely afforded it, 

 the Beaver is again becoming abundant in northern Ontario. In the 

 Algonquin Park, where It is strictly preserved, they may be seen to great 

 advantage. 



FAMILY. SCIURID^E. (THE SQUIRRELS.) 



GENUS ARCTOMYS. 



(15) Arctomys monax. 



(Woodchuck, Ground Hog.) 



Common and generally distributed. Sufficiently abundant in some 

 localities to be a nuisance. 



GENUS EUTAMIAS. 



() (16) Eutamias quadrivittatus. 



(Mountain Chipmunk.) 



The eastern form of this species, E. q. neglectus, occurs commonly 

 in the woods on the north shore of Lake Superior. 



GENUS TAMIAS. 

 (17) Tamias striatus. 



(Chipmunk, Ground Squirrel.) 



Common and generally distributed, the form generally found in On- 

 tario is T. s. lysteri. Sub-species T. s. grisens occurs in the western part 

 of the Province. 



