184 BULLETIN OF THE 



[Bison americanus (Gmelin), Smith. AMERICAN BISON. 



Of this species no specimens were of course observed, but it is here intro- 

 duced for the purpose of recording some traditional evidence of its former 

 presence at points outside of its hitherto definitely recorded range. " Accord- 

 ing to the testimony of old people," says Dr. Palmer, " the Bison was very 

 abundant about Monclova and Parras when the first settlers reached these 

 points, probably half a century after the conquest. For some years they killed 

 large numbers for food, but soon they ceased to appear. There seems to be no 

 reason why, so far as the nature of the country is concerned, the Bison may not 

 have ranged also to Saltillo. Careful observation failed to detect any of their 

 remains, nor could I learn that such have been met with. Little attention, 

 however, is paid to such things by the inhabitants, which might easily pass 

 unnoticed, even if existing."] 



6. Cariacus virginianus mexicanus (Gmelin), Allen. COMMON DEER. 



The collection contains the head of a male, obtained at Savinito, Tierre 

 Caliente. " Common everywhere in the wooded mountains, to which they are 

 restricted. Very common about Tampico, and are frequently exposed for sale 

 in the markets of the town." 



[Dr. Palmer informs me that he found no indication of the presence of the 

 Prong-horn (Antilocapra americana) in any portion of the region he traversed. 

 This is an important negative fact, as tending to fix the southern limit of this 

 species, as it is known to occur further westward in the northern parts of the 

 States of Chihuahua and Sonora.] Berlandier is cited (Alston, Biol. Cent. 

 Amer., Mam., p. 113) as authority for the statement that its range extends 

 " southwards at least throughout the State of Tamaulipas." 



7. Nyctinomus brasiliensis, Is. Geoffrey. 



Four specimens, San Luis Potosi. " Common, infesting the houses. This 

 is the common Bat of this region." 



8. Plecotus auritus, LeConte. BIG-EARED BAT. 



One specimen, San Luis Potosi. This appears to be the first record of this 

 species from any part of Mexico. 



9. SpennophihlS grammurus (Say), Bachman. LINED-TAILED SPER- 



MOPHILE. 



One specimen, taken at Angostura, Rio Verde, one hundred and sixty miles 

 south of San Luis Potosi. " Occurs here and elsewhere abundantly about old 

 walls and rocky places. Very destructive to the crops, and a great pest. From 

 the nature of their haunts they are hard to capture." 



10. Spermophilus mexicanus (Licht.), Wagner. MEXICAN SPERMOPHILE. 



One specimen, Monclova. " Widely distributed at favorable localities, but 

 not nearly so abundant as the smaller species " (S. spilosomus). 



