98 Field and Forest Rambles. 



Shrews, named after Richardson and Cooper, are plentiful 

 in the wilderness districts. 



On comparing them carefully with descriptions, it seems 

 that both S. Richardsonii and S. Fosteri of Richardson are so 

 closely allied that I could not perceive any distinction, further 

 than the density of the fur, which after all is most probably 

 an effect of climate. But these shrews are also common 

 in backwood settlements, where they take the place of the 

 European Mouse, which has not yet found its way into the 

 wilderness. The two MOLES, including the Mole Shrew (B. tal- 

 poides) and Star-Nose, are plentiful ; the only Bats being the 

 common New York and Hoary Bats. The last ( V . primiosus) is 

 the most plentiful. The long period they are forced to con- 

 tinue in states of hibernation, extending sometimes to nearly 

 seven months, is suggestive in many respects. One captured 

 in May, soon after its appearance, showed how easily the 

 nervous system is influenced by cold. I directed the contents 

 of Richardson's ether spray producer on the skull and spinal 

 column, when the bat closed its eyes instantaneously, and 

 seemed to all appearance dead, remaining in this condition 

 for several minutes, when the effects wore off, and it gradually 

 returned to life ; but doubtless there is a disposition in the 

 brain and nervous system of all animals that hibernate to be 

 more easily affected by cold than others. 



The Common Red Squirrel (S. Hudsonii) is probably 

 more plentiful now than formerly, for, like the hare, it has fewer 

 enemies since the smaller carnivora have been extirpated. It 

 is also, however, getting familiar, and increasing in numbers 

 about dwellings ; thus displaying a marked change in its 

 habits, inasmuch as its favourite haunts are in the deepest 

 solitudes of the forest. 



The generality of the members of this genus seem disposed, 

 more or less, to take on dark shades of colouring, as is the case 

 with the foxes, and occasional instances of melanism are not 

 unfrequent For instance, on the reliable authority of Mr. 



