564 
footed wood-mouse, but is rather more ochraceous over the upper 
parts. Its habits, also, so far as known, resemble the habits of that 
species. It was found hibernating, however, by Hoy. 
It is extremely desirable that specimens of the species found in 
the state should be reported. It is apparently much rarer here 
than formerly, and may be on the verge of extinction. 
SWAMP-RABBIT; SWAMP-HARE. 
Sylvilagus aquaticus Bachman. 
(Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1837, p. 319.) 
This species is found in the cypress swamps in the southern part 
of the state as far north as Cape Girardeau, Mo. Its range south 
extends to the Gulf. 
It is much larger than the common rabbit. A specimen taken 
December 28 near Olive Branch, Alexander county, gave the fol- 
lowing measurements: Length, 19.8 in. (503 mm.); tail, 2.17 in. 
(65 mam.) hind foot, 4.334n. (110mm) ear, 357 ame (C4 mama 
The general color scheme is similar to that of the cottontail. 
The cheeks, sides of head, and the nape are gray; the sides of the 
body are gray with a faint wash of ochraceous; and the top of the 
head and the back are pale ochraceous much mottled with a rich 
black. There is a well-defined spot of rusty cinnamon on the 
shoulder, and the upper part of the feet is tawny ochraceous. The 
under parts are pure white but for an ill-defined color of faint ocher 
under the throat. 
This species keeps to the deep swamps in this state. It swims 
readily, and when pursued takes to the water, and may even dive to 
escape. It is said that even on dry land it rests on logs or stones 
rather than in forms. Evidently this is a habit that has grown out 
of its lhving in swamps. 
Young are produced at least twice a year, and in litters of four 
tO SIX. 
COMMON RABBIT; COTTONTAIL. 
Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsi (Allen). 
Lepus sylvaticus mearnst Allen, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. N. Y., 1894, p. 171. 
E. W. Nelson, in his recent monograph of the Rabbits of North 
America (N. Am. Fauna, No. 29) refers the rabbits of this section to 
