140 



much as those portions which are usually black are in this instance 

 pale brown or fawn. 



8. Mephitis bicolor GRAY. 

 Little Striped Skunk. 



This pretty little species which, previous to my discovering it 

 in Florida, was not known to occur east of the Mississippi, is very 

 abundant in certain sections of the state. They are confined to the 

 narrow strip of land which lies between Indian River and Turnbull 

 Swamp, being found as far north as New Smyrna and south to Jupiter 

 Inlet. They appear to take the place of the common skunk, which 

 does not occur in this section. They frequent the scrub, and traces 

 of them may be seen at all times, for they have the habit of digging 

 small holes in search of insects, like the preceding species. These 

 skunks are easily domesticated and I have frequently known of their 

 being used in the houses for the purpose of catching mice. Some- 

 times the animals are captured and the scent glands removed, but 

 they are often simply decoyed- about the premises by exposing food, 

 when they will take up their abode beneath the buildings, and will 

 soon become so tame as to enter the various apartments in search of 

 .their prey. 



URSID^E. 



9. Procyon lotor STORK. 

 Raccoon. 



Very numerous both upon the mainland and among the Keys, even 

 frequenting the low mangrove islands which are overflowed by every 

 tide. They subsist upon fish and crabs to a great measure when upon 

 the seashore, but in the interior they live chiefly upon the fluviatile 

 mollusks (Unio, Pomus, etc.). They are strictly nocturnal, seldom 

 appearing abroad during the day. 



In color the Florida raccoon differs from New England specimens in 

 being more rufous; the black markings are not as conspicuous, the 

 dark rings on the tail being sometimes nearly obsolete ; in fact, adult 

 specimens from Florida in this respect resemble those from New 

 England. 



10. Ursus Americanus PALLAS. 

 Black Bear. 



Very common, especially in the unsettled districts ; giving the in- 

 habitants considerable trouble by destroying young pigs. Although 

 extremely abundant in certain sections, as the numerous tracks indi- 

 cate, it is difficult to see one, for they chiefly move about during 

 the night. The bears of Florida do not hibernate, but are not quite 

 as active during the winter months as in summer. The young are 



