236 MR. W. V. LEGGE ON PEDIONOMUS. [Apr. 8, 
Thus the peculiarity of L. americanus consists in the develop- 
ment of the feet relatively to the body generally, as contrasted with 
other species. Although only weighing 3 Ib. in New Brunswick, 
against 62 lb. in southern districts, with a corresponding diminution 
in the dimensions of the body, the feet yet retain fully as great deve- 
lopment in one as the other. ZL. ¢imidus, with an average weight of 
8 lb., and length 26 inches, has a hind foot only 53 inches long ; 
whilst L. variabilis, with an average length of body of 23 inches, has 
also 54 inches. L. glacialis, found in common with the American, 
7 lb. weight, and 22°6 inches long, has dimensions as follows :—from 
wrist-joint to end of claw 2 inches 9 lines, heel to point of middle claw 
5 inches 9 lines. Not only is the foot of L. americanus proportionately 
lengthened, but a remarkable degree of lateral extension is allowed 
between the metacarpal and metatarsal bones, with great laxity of 
the web membrane. Inhabiting the woody districts, where the snow 
remains deep and soft during the greater part of the winter, the 
advantage of such a modification in the feet, especially when com- 
bined with the lengthened stiff winter hair on the treading-surface, 
is apparent, allowing it to pass over the softest snow with the slightest 
impress, and thus giving it the power of eluding by swiftness its 
numerous enemies. A recent impress of these natural snow-shoes 
gave the following shape and dimensions :—Fore feet oval, each 
32 inches long by 2 inches broad. Hind feet egg-shaped (large 
end anteriorly), each 6 inches long by 3 inches in front and 12 inch 
behind. 
The average snow-shoes adapted to an ordinary-sized man have a 
superficial area 53 inches for each pound in weight, which is extended 
in this Rodent to 11°4 inches. In the Hudson’s Bay Territory L. 
glacialis and L. americanus exist in the same district, the one inha- 
biting the open barrens, the other the soft snowy woodlands. 
It appears much to be desired that the modifications in the feet 
and winter coat of this Rodent, under different latitudes and varia- 
tions of natural conditions, should be accurately traced out, inasmuch 
as the indications are that, both in the one and the other, they 
fully illustrate the capability of external circumstances to call forth 
structural changes, placing the animal frame in harmony with the 
surrounding natural features, and allowing it to compete advan- 
tageously with its numerous and powerful enemies in the great 
struggle for existence. 
3. Notes on the Habits of the Collared Plain Wanderer 
(Pedionomus torquatus, Gould). By W. Vincent Lecee, 
FE.ZS. 
Mr. Gould says this bird is not uncommon in South Australia, 
where it inhabits the plains of the interior; but I think he does 
not record its presence in Victoria. It makes its appearance in 
