32 



THE COLLECTORS' MONTHLY 



and eio-ht fresh ones introduced in 

 their place. On the third day six 

 more mice were added to the stock, 

 and the carcasses of seven more were 

 found in a contiguous hollow tree. 

 Day after day the same thing was ob- 

 served, a fresh supply of mice being 

 constantly introduced. From circum- 

 stances which are not specifically 

 mentioned, Herr Grote was only able 

 to continue his observations for a 

 period of fourteen days, but within 

 this time the number of mice found in 

 and around the nest was ascertained 

 to be more than two hundred, and in 

 addition to these the wing cases of a 

 large number of dung beetles {scara- 

 bceus stercorarius) were found in the 

 same place. In order to avoid any 

 source of possible error in his compu- 

 tation, the observer took the precau- 

 tion of marking each day's supply of 

 mice when first noticed, so as to make 

 quite sure that none of of the bodies 

 should be counted twice. 



There is a fish which is used as a 

 candle, and is caught on the coast of 

 Alaska. It is about eight inches long, 

 transparent and very fat, which fat is 

 pure, white and very sweet. The In- 

 dians dry this fish then light it at the 

 tail, and it burns with a clear spark- 

 ling flame, which the wind cannot ex- 

 tinguish. 



E NUFF.— No ; we don't think 

 it would be policy for you to purchase 

 an egg-plant with a view of increasing 

 your already large collection. — Ed. 



New Species of Mammals. 



DWARF KANGAROO RAT. 



Microdipodops megacephalus. 

 Of the many new and interesting 

 mammals that have been discovered 

 in America during the last few years, 

 this is one of the most remarkable 

 species. In external appearance it 

 looks like a heavy, thick-set pocket 

 mouse, with a hydrocephalic head and 

 abnormally large, furry hind feet. 

 Total length, 150. The fur of the 

 back and sides is long, soft and silky, 

 as in Hesperomys erem,ices. Upper 

 parts, yellowish brown or clay color, 

 finely mixed with black-tipped hairs 

 and slightly tinged with olive ; under 

 parts white. Locality, Halleck and 

 Reese River, Nevada. 



DAKOTA RED-BACKED MOUSE. 



Eyotomys gapperi hrevicaudus. 

 Total length, 125. Similar to E. 

 gapperi, but with larger ears and 

 shorter tail. Dorsal area dull hazel, 

 lined with black-tipped hairs ; rest of 

 upper parts pale bister ; under parts 

 white. From the Black Hills of South 



Dakota. 



♦+♦ 



Send your friends' subscriptions. 



WANTS, EXCHANGES, AND FOR SALES. 



Brief special announcements. "Wants," "Exchan- 

 ges," "For Sales," inserted in this department for 50c 

 per 40 words. Notices of over 40 words, charged at the 

 rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice 

 inserted for less than 50c. Cash or specimens must 

 accompany order. 



First class specimens with data will be accepted in 

 payment at one-half list value. 



EXCHANGE OR FOR SALE.— A fine Telescope, 

 good as new ; cost $25.00 ; Length extended twenty- 

 lour inches ; closed seven inches ; power twenty-five 

 times. All answered. B.'S. BO WDISH, Phelps, N. Y. 



