f 



38 UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN BOUNDAKY. 



^■^^ 



Two specimens of this distinctly marked species were procured at Fort Webster^ Copper mines 



(where it is rare)^ in the winter of 1851. 



Measurements. — Total length, 5 inches ; tail vertebrae, 2 ; tail to tip, 3.50 ; hairs of tail at 

 tip, 1.50 ; hairs on sides, 1*25 ; hind foot from heel, 1.25. 



This species is readily distinguished from all others hy the single dorsal stripe, the others 



being obsolete. The more bushy tail, with its conspicuous markings of chestnut black and 



white, is also highly characteristic of it. 



119, 120. Fort Webster, CopperminesoftheMimbres,N.M. Winter? 1857. J.H.Clark. Skin. 



** This was found only about the canons in the Coppejjmine region. It is secluded in its habitSj and never wanders far from 

 its abode, which seemed to be principally in the crevices of rocks. Once one was run into a hollow cedar ; bat this only proved 



to be a temporary or rural habitation, for, on the first jnr of the tree, it ran out and made for the rocks. Aware of its presence 

 in a certain canon during my stay at the Copper mines, its shyness and seclusion for a long time baffled my utmost efforts to 

 secure a specimen, I finally adopted the plan of * lying in wait,' which proved successful in this, as in many other cases. 

 After watching for some hours there was a shower of rain^ when some three or four cautiously emerged from a crevice dripping 

 wet ; rain, being an unusual thing, probably toot them by surprise. While combing their hair with their paws and licking 

 themselves dry, one shot secured three. Piilons, cedar berries, and acorns are its food." — (J. H- Clark.) 



32. SPERMOPEILUS GEAMMUEUS, Bach. (p. 310.)— Line-tailed Squirrel. 

 125, 126. Copper mines, N. M. 0. H, Clark. — ?1046. Los Nogales, Sonera. June, 1855. 



Dr. Kennerly. 



*' This very squirrel-like spermophile was observed in great numbers in the neighborhood of the Copper mines- Thenco 

 westward it inhabits the mountainous regions \ its occurrence east of the Rio Grande is doubtful. Its home is between and 

 under the strata of rock ; it sometimes, however, apparently burrows directly into the side of the mountain, and to a great 

 depth, judging from the amount of dirt brought out. On examination these holes were found to lead along the face of the 

 rocks, probably because the soil is here looser and more easily moved- 



** Several sometimes inhabit the same locality, but it is more frequently seen alone. At the Copper mines, where I had a 

 good opportunity of studying the habits and manners of this and other animals, it seemed to select its retreat with reference to 

 food, acorns and walnuts^ for which it climbs the trees, and with great facility, but always hastily leaves them when alarmed, 

 and hies away to near its hole, where it stops to reconnoitre. If its suspicions are well founded, it dodges in, but usually comes 

 out again in a few minutes and returns to its labor or amusement above ground. Early in the morning or late in the evening, 

 may most always be seen about its den, feeding -or playing; about mid-day, as if following the example set by the 'lords 

 of creation' that dwell here, it retires for a siesta. The pouches of the specimens obtained were filled with acorns ia process 

 of transportation for winter store. Occasionally one may be heard, while sitting at the entrance of his house, uttering a short, 

 sharp note. I could never make out whether this bark was the wail of distress or the call of companionship ; it always 

 proceeded from an isolated and lonely individual," — (J. H. Clark.) 



" We first observed this species (No. 1046) in the Santa Cruz mountains, and afterwards found it very common in the vicinity 



of Los Nogales. It seemed to make its nest indiiferently in the rocks or in hollow trees, when there was an entrance about the 



root, but we have very seldom seen it climb the trees. In its movements on the ground it very closely resembled the common 



grey squirrel (Sciwws caroimcnsis), perhaps not so swift and active. It walked leisurely from point to point while searching 



for food, and rarely leaped and jumped like the latter, though it often paused, raised itself on its hind legs, and seemed to listen 



and reconnoitre. It was quite shy, and was never found far from its den, to which it rapidly fled upon the slightest appearance 

 of danger. 



'* Its food consisted principally of acorns, of which there were generally an abundance in the regions where it was found. 

 (Dr. Kennerly.) 



33. SPEEMOPHILUS tlOUCHII, Baird (p. 311.)— Black Ground gquirrel. 

 338. Santa Caterina, N. Leon. April, 1853. Lt. Coucli. 



34. SPEEMOPHILUS TEKETICAUDA, Baird (p. 316.)-Eound-tailed SpermopMle, 

 1584. ^ . Fort Yuma, Cal. Maj. G. H. Thomas, U. S. A. Skin. 



>» 



