MAMMALS. 



19 





In tlie spring of 1852 (April 23) a specimen of Bassaris was killed in a hen-roost^ near 

 Washington, after it had committed great devastation among the poultry of the neighborhood. 

 It had evidently escaped from confinement, as shown by the marks of a collar around the neck. 

 There was, of course^ no indication whence it came originally, hut it was sup[)Osed to have been 

 brought from California. This specimen is somewhat different from those obtained in Mexico 

 and Texas, although perhaps not specifically distinct. The tail is strikingly different in having 

 the black rings fewer in number and of much greater extent compared with the white portion. 

 Of these black rings there are only five distinctly marked ones besides the tip, and the last or 

 sub-terminal one is more than two inches long instead of about one. Below, the black ring is 

 nearly complete, separated only for the thickness of the vertebrae by the white of the under 

 surface. There is no appreciable difference in the colors of the remaining portions of the body. 

 The ears are decidedly smaller. Very considerable differences are discernible between the skull 

 of this specimen and the others; the cranium is broader, but more constricted behind the orbital 

 processes of the frontal bone ; the distance between the zygomata is considerably greater, and 

 the temporal crests of opposite side much closer together. The pterygoid bones, also, are further 

 apart. The proportion of greatest breadth of skull to length is as C3 to 100 instead of 59, as in 

 No. 4, from Texas. Should the examination of further specimens show these distinctions to be 

 such as to indicate a different species, it might be called Bassaris raptor. 



133* Eagle Pass, Texas. April, 1852. Major W. H. Emory, U. S. A. A. Schott.— 4. 9 . 

 Devil's river, Texas. Colonel J. D. Graham, U. S, A. J. H. Clark. 



"This cat-squirrel, as it is called by the Texans, lives among rocks or trees; though not a rare animal, its quiet and 

 nocturnal habits renders it inconspicuous, and the procurement of a specimen consequently an unfrequent occurrence. But a 

 single one was seen, and that a female, in the crevice of a rock, with four or five young adhering to the paps. To detach 

 these required considerable force ; previous to that time they showed no signs of discomfort, although the mother had been 

 dead several hours. It is said to be a constant and common occupant of Mexican out-houscs and deserted ranches. The 

 specimen obtained, when first seen, was asleep ; it fought furiously with claws and teeth in defence of self and home, and 

 dispiayed no disposition whatever to run off. It is easily tamed and even domesticated, and makes a mild and playful pet.' 

 a. H. Clark.) 



16. PUTORIUS FEENATUS, Aud. & Bach. (p. 173.)— Bridled Weasel. 



200. Einggold Barracks, Texas. J. H. Clark. — 239. Matamoras, Mexico. Lieut. Couch 



17. MEPHITIS MESOLEUCA, Licht. (p. 192.)— White-backed Skunk. 



This species is said to he quite abundant in western Texas. Its range to the eastward is not 

 yet ascertained, although Berlandiere refers in his MSS. to this or an allied species as occurring 



at Matamoras. 



18. MEPHITIS VARIANS, Gray (p. 193.)-Texas Skunk. 



This species is easily distinguished among North American skunks by the great length of 

 its tail, which considerably exceeds the body. The body appears slender, compared with the 



common ^1. mephitica. 



( 



Tlie palms are entirely naked. The soles are hairy fiom the heel to the base of the 



(or for about one-third ;) 



The tail^ including the hairs, 



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