18 



MONOGRAPHS OF NOIlXn AMRUICAN HODENTIA. 



1? 



i 



to npiireciate the exclusive pertinence of any of tlicin, in comparison with 

 our largo scries, except one — the palatal notch is narrower tlian in Georgian 

 flor'ulana. But, as already stated, this tendency to narrowness of the palatal 

 notch is a feature, more or less stiongly expressed, of all western Ncotomas 

 (even cinerea shows it), and, consequently, =t loses diagnostic value in this 

 case. The disproportion of tail to trunk seems niusually great (4.25 to 9.10); 

 but the tail has been broken and mended, and the skin is greatly distorted — 

 a full inch, if not two inches, or more, overstretched. The chief character 

 of "micropus" rests upon the assumption that the gray pelage No. 554 

 shows is permanent. Altliougii tiiis presumption is colored by Dr. Bcrlan- 

 dier's testimony, that naturalist is as liable to be mistaken as another one ; 

 and we are satisfied that Neotoma "micrjpuc" is not a valid species. 



Table II.— ilfo<Mureffleti(so/«ir(y specimens o/Neoto.«a floridana /com the Vtiited Stales avd Mtacico. 



