138 



occasions been awakened by their cries to find the beasts within a few 

 feet of me, but upon my moving they instantly sprang away. 



Florida specimens of this species are fully as large as those from 

 more northern localities. I give the dimensions of a full grown male 

 taken at Dummett's. From nose to eye, 1-80 ; to ear, 4-78 ; to occiput, 

 6-00; to root of tail, 33-00; to outstretched hind leg, 48-00. Tail to 

 end of vertebra, 7-75; to end of hair, 8-60. Length of hind leg, 7-00. 

 Length of hand, 4-40; width, 2-00. In color Florida wild cats are 

 much more rufous than those from the north, and are inclined to be 

 more spotted. 



CANID.E. 



3. Canis lupus LINN. 

 Gray Wolf. 



The stronghold of these wolves is at present in what is called the 

 "Gulf Hummock" in western Florida, where they are quite numerous. 

 According to Mr. F. A. Ober they are also found about the Kissinee 

 Eiver and Lake Okechobee. I saw the tracks made by a single ani- 

 mal near Salt Lake. It was accustomed to pass along a sandy road 

 every night for the greater part of the time which we remained in the 

 vicinity. My guide, Mr. Burton, who had resided near this place for 

 some months, informed me that he had never seen it, nor had any of 

 the settlers, although it was frequently heard to howl. I did not 

 meet with any wolves about Miami nor do I think that they occur 

 south of the Everglades. Individuals who have frequently taken this 

 species describe them as being very dark colored, usually quite black. 



4. Vulpes Virginianus RICHARDSON. 

 Gray Fox. 



Common in the wilder districts. This little fox does not appear to 

 do any great degree of mischief on the plantations and it is probable 

 that it finds sufficient wild game to satisfy its appetite. I once sur- 

 prised one that was cautiously making its way towards a large bevy 

 of quails with the evident intention of capturing some. Specimens 

 from Florida are quite gray in color, especially upon the upper parts. 



MUSTELIDJS. 



5. Putorius lutreolus CUVIER. 

 Mink. 



I saw but a single specimen of this animal. This was on the St. 

 John's River above Blue Springs, where one swam across the river 

 but a short distance in advance of our boat. I did not learn that it 

 was at all common; indeed, nearly all the hunters seemed entirely 

 unacquainted with it. 



