MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 187 
first accompanied by a plate giving a life-size figure of the animal, with numer- 
ous details, including the skull and dentition. Dr, Barrocta alludes especially 
to its supposed medicinal qualities, to the use of its flesh as food by the poorer 
classes, and to the daily sale of the animals in the market. Dugés states that 
they are readily domesticated and form agreeable pets. 
19. Dipodomys phillipsi, Gray. Kancaroo-Rar. 
Nine specimens, San Luis Potosi, September, October, March, and May, in- 
cluding adults of both sexes and half-grown young. In point of coloration 
they present great uniformity, the young exactly agreeing in this respect with 
the adult. 
“Everywhere common. Very troublesome in the cornfields, Nocturnal. 
Obtained with difficulty and only by digging them out of their burrows." 
20. Heteromys longicaudatus? Gray. Mexican Hisrrp Mouse. 
Heteromys alleni, Coues, MS. 
Dr. Palmer's collection contains a single specimen of Heteromys, an adult 
male, taken at the Hacienda Angostura, Rio Verde, February 26, 1878. Dr. 
Palmer states that it was discovered in a mound in digging for antiquities. 
Two were seen, but one of them escaped. He believes it to be rare, as it was 
not recognized by the natives. Appreciating its importance he offered a reward 
of a dollar apiece for other specimens, but was unable to obtain any more. 
The genus Heteromys has hitherto been known only from Southern Mexico 
(Oaxaca) and thence southward to Northern South America. Numerous spe- 
cies have been described, but only four are recognized by Mr. Alston (Biol. 
Cent. Amer., Mam., pp. 166-168) as valid, and of these two only (H. desma- 
restianus and H. longicaudatus) are found north of the Isthmus of Panama. The 
present example differs apparently in important features from either of these 
and a detailed description of it is therefore appended. 
“In size and general appearance it greatly resembles Perognathus fasciatus, 
but is a typical Heteromys; the upper incisors being smooth while the pelage is 
mixed with flat grooved spines. Tail vertebre as long as head and body; with 
hairs, half an inch longer. Tail tufted at the end, the lengthened hairs form- 
ing a crest, as in Perognathus pencillatus. Soles hairy from the heel nearly to 
the bases of the toes ; but a slight strip along the heel is naked. A very 
prominent black tubercle at the base of the inner toe, Under surfaces of the 
toes naked and scaly. Palms naked from the wrist. Upper surfaces of hands 
and feet densely hairy. Ears large, orbicular, projecting beyond the fur ; notch 
bounded behind by a very large flap-like lobe, in front by a slight fold (much 
as in Perognathus pencillatus). 
“Coloration not unlike that of Perognathus fasciatus, but darker. Under 
parts pure white, A conspicuous stripe of fawn-color extends the whole length 
of the head and body, separating the white under parts from the dark upper parts. 
Nearly the whole fore leg is colored like the upper parts ; this dark color also 
descending the hind leg and advancing a short distance on the tarsus. The 
