1877.] 97 [Hofflnan. 



14. Mephitis mephitica Bd. Skunk. Ma'-ka'. 



Not very common. These animals are killed by the Indians, 

 though they seldom cure the skins on account of the fetid odor ac- 

 companying them. 



15. Taxidea americana Waterh. American Badger. Cho'-ka. 

 Common at the prairie-dog towns eight miles northwest of the 



Agency. The Indians make tobacco pouches of the skins. 



URSIDiE. 



16. Ursus horribilis Ord. Grizzly Bear. Ma-to'-cho-ta. 

 At one time they were found between Grand River and Ft. Rice ; 



they are still known to occur rarely in the Mauvaises Terres, and to 

 be common in the Big Horn Mountains, Montana. A necklace made 

 of the claws is considered by the Indians to be worth two horses — 

 about fifty dollars. 



17. Ursus americanus Pallas. Black Bear. Wa-chan-ksi / -tcha. 

 Same as the last, though skins appear to be more common amongst 



the aborigines. The fat of the paws is highly prized by the women, 

 who mix it with the finely chopped hair of the tail of Cervus macru- 

 rus. After this mixture has been fried, it is employed to produce 

 abortion. It may produce severe gastric irritation, which might 

 cause such a result. Such is the general belief, and if true, the 

 dose is really a disgusting one. 



18. Ursus americanus var. cinnamomeus Aud. and Bach. 

 Cinnamon Bear. 



The Indians state that the only places where this animal is met with 

 are in the Black Hills, and in the Big Horn country. Saw a single 

 robe brought to the Post, that was badly worn. 



SCIURIDiE. 



19. Seiurus hudsonius Pallas. Red Squirrel. Tash-na- 

 he'-tcha. 



Sometimes found in the oak groves eight miles west of the Post. 

 This animal is found, upon comparison, to be identical with Pennsyl- 

 vania specimens, although it was considered otherwise by some of 

 the old settlers and trappers. 



20. Tamias quadrivittatus Wag. Missouri Striped Squirrel. 

 Rather common on the plains and river bottoms where there are 



any moist places, and where shrubbery occurs. It usually burrows 



