CONTENTS 



The California Road-Runner i 



The Neotomas, or Pack Rats, of the Desert 23 



Billy Bob-Tail, the Hermit Wood Rat 39 



The Spiny Pocket Mice 55 



The Cactus Wren 67 



Catherpes, the Canon Wren 77 



Betsy Bounce, the Rock Wren 85 



The Antelope Chipmunk 95 



The Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel and Near 



Relatives 107 



Eleodes, the Beetle that stands on his Head 115 



The Mason Bees 123 



The Desert Bighorn and Near Relatives 133 



Don Coyote 143 



The Battle of the Reptiles 161 



The Phainopepla 171 



Latrodectus, the Poisonous 179 



The Le Conte Thrasher 189 



The Gnatcatchers and Verdins 199 



The Desert Lynx 209 



