1911] Taylor: Mammals of the 1909 Nevada Expedition. 287 



(one pair pectoral and two abdominal) functioning, was collected 

 at the same locality. A female containing seven embryos was 

 obtained on June 30. The testes apparently do not become 

 enough enlarged during the breeding season to be in evidence 

 externally, although with other species this is not the case (see 

 Seton, 1909, p. 592). Of the series secured, nine are males, and 

 nine females. 



Erethizon epixanthum Brandt. 



Porcupine. 



Status. — A portion of a skull of an Eretliizon was picked up 

 near our camp at the head of Big Creek, altitude 8000 feet. It 

 includes only the middle of the skull, a portion of the rostral 

 region, and the squamosal of one side, bearing a small piece of 

 the zygomatic arch. The cheek teeth are all present. 



Lacking pertinent material it is impossible to define the status 

 of the Nevada porcupine with any degree of assurance. From 

 the size of the skull and its geographical occurrence, there is a 

 possibility that it will be found to be referable to E. e. couesi, 

 Avhich was described by ]\Iearns (1897, p. 723) from Fort Whip- 

 ple, Yavapai County, Arizona. 



Distribution. — Porcupine tracks were seen at Big Creek 

 Ranch, in Big Creek Cafion above the "Dugout Camp" and in 

 Alder Creek Caiion. Fragments of skin, still bearing quills, 

 were found at the head of Big Creek. Almost every resident 

 reported porcupines as having been seen about the various ranches 

 or in nearby canons. Four were killed in the alfalfa at Big 

 Creek Ranch during the haying season, July, 1909. The animals 

 are not, however, numerous in the mountains. Every scheme 

 essayed for their capture failed. They are probably present 

 sparingly in the mountains and along streams on the nearby flats. 

 It seems rather remarkable taking the season into account that 

 the only signs of the actual presence of living porcupines were 

 observed on the plains about the ranches. 



Habits. — A small sapling which had been gnawed, apparently 

 by a porcupine, was observed at the head of Big Creek. The track 

 left by the animal as it slowly progresses over the ground is 



