xxx INTRODUCTION 



human intelligence; nor are they always on the alert to ascribe 

 to every simple action some astoundingly intelligent and far- 

 fetched motive. In the study of animal intelligence, the legitimate 

 Truth is sufficiently wonderful to satisfy all save those who crave 

 the sensational, regardless of facts. 



RULES FOR MEASURING MAMMALS, HORNS, ETC. 



The increasing amount of attention that is being paid to the 

 measurements and weights of animals renders necessary the adop- 

 tion of a uniform system, in order that species and individuals 

 may be compared on a fair basis. To promote this end the follow- 

 ing rules are offered: 



Small Mammals Generally 



1. Record all measurements in feet and inches, and leave the 

 metric scale for those who prefer a foreign system. 



2. Measurements of skins are of very slight value; therefore, 

 always measure a specimen before skinning it. 



3. Lay every mammal on its side, pull the head straight for- 

 ward, and measure from the tip of the nose to the point where the 

 tail joins the body. This is the "Length of head and body." 



4. From the last-mentioned point, measure to the end of the 

 tail vertebrae, not the hair, for "Length of tail." If the tail-tuft is 

 important, measure it separately. 



5. Weigh large examples of species that are larger than rats 

 and mice; and in each case, weigh the whole of the specimen. 



Large Mammals 



1. The "Height at the shoulder" is the most important measure- 

 ment. To obtain this, hold the uppermost fore leg as nearly as 

 possible in the position it occupied when supporting the animal. Do 

 not measure from the "point of the hoof," for that means nothing. 

 Hold the hoof with its bottom parallel with the body, as when the 



