145 



at Miami. I have never seen it elsewhere in the state, although it 

 probably occurs. 



TALPID^E. 



22. Scalops aquaticus FISCHER. 

 Shrew Mole. 



Very common at Blue Spring, where they do considerable damage 

 by disturbing the roots of vegetables and plants in the cultivated 

 fields. They are also said to eat sweet potatoes. They form their 

 burrows only an inch or two below the surface ; throwing up ridges 

 so that their presence is readily detected. This work is usually per- 

 formed during the night. 



SCIURID^E. 



23. Sciurus niger LINN. 

 Southern Fox Squirrel. 



Quite common in the piny woods, but I do not think that they are 

 ever to be found in the hummocks. They feed upon the seeds of the 

 pines and are therefore usually found in the tops of the trees which 

 are commonly high; thus it is quite difficult to procure specimens, 

 as on the approach of the hunter they conceal themselves among the 

 thick foliage. They are extremely variable in color, specimens being 

 found which exhibit all shades of coloration from pale rufous to black 

 or dusky. The latter colors predominate, however. I think this spe- 

 cies is confined to the more northern portions of the state, as I have 

 neve* seen it at Miami. 



24. Sciurus Carolinensis GMELIN. 

 I Gray Squirrel. 



Very abundant in the northern and central sections of the state, 

 but singularly I did not see it at Miami, or among the Keys. They 

 inhabit the hummocks and are seldom seen in the piny woods. They 

 have much the same habits as those which inhabit New England. 

 But I cannot now remember of ever having seen a nest of sticks and 

 leaves such as this species construct in the north. Specimens are 

 not only smaller in size, but are also more rufous than northern indi- 

 viduals. I have never seen a specimen of the black variety in Florida 

 and am confident that it seldom, if ever, occurs. 



GEOMYIN^E. 



25. Geomys pineti RAFINESQUE. 

 Salamander. 



This singular animal is confined to the more northern portions of 

 the state, none being found south of Lake Harney. They inhabit the 

 dry pine barrens, where in the process of burrowing they throw up 



ESSEX INST. BULLETIN. iv 19 



