CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF ALASKA. 203 



Rangifer tarandus caribou (Kerr). Woodland Reindeer. 



This large Reindeer occurs most plentifully in the wooded portions of the territory, coming on 

 the treeless areas, as may suit its convenience, at any season. 



It is not known to occur north of the headwaters of the Tanana River, but is plentiful about 

 the interior back of Bristol Bay and thence south. 



Family BOVID^. The Cattle. 



Genus Ovibos. 



Ovibos moschattjs Blainville. Musk-ox. 

 There is no positive evidence of the actual occurrence of this mammal within the region here 

 included ; but, as the northern Innit and Indians are so well acquainted with it, there can be no 

 doubt that it has but recently disappeared, if scattered individuals do not yet inhabit the region 

 northeast of the Rumiantzof Mountains and near the Arctic coast. 



Genus Ovis. 



Ovis Montana dalli Nelson. DalVs Mountain Sheep. 



From the material now in the National Museum, at Washington, D. C., there is sufficient reason 

 to the claim being valid that the northern Mountain Sheep is entitled to rank at least as a sub- 

 species. It is more than probable that it may prove, when additional information is obtained, of 

 specific rank. 



The range of this mammal is even to the low hills of the interior lying as far north as latitude 

 sixty-eight, in this extreme range approaching quite near the western coast. The southern limit 

 has not yet been defined. 



Order RODENTIA. 



Family SCIURIDiE. The Squirrels. 



Genus Arctomys. 



Arotomys pruinosus Gmelin. Hoary Marmot. 



The Hoary Marmot occurs in the interior of the region along the tributaries of the Yukon 

 River; and, is more plentiful in the drier areas toward the southern portion of the Tanan& River, 

 Kuskokvim River, and the region east of Lake Ilvarnna. The exact range of this rodent is not 

 well known. The skins are brought in for trade, but as they possess no special value they are 

 not much sought for. 



The information, concerning its habits, came to me from the traders only, who have stations iu 

 those localities mentioned. 



Genus Spermophilus. 

 Spermophilus EMPETRA empetra (Pall.) Allen. Parry's Spermophile. 

 This rodent is quite plentiful in the region about Nulato also to the eastward and south. Its 

 exact range and habits are not known by me. 



Spermophilus empetra kadiacensis Allen. Eadialc Spermophile. 

 Originally described from Kadiak, this species has a range greatly beyond that island. 

 Having no opportunity to study the habits of the rodents in the country, I can add nothing 

 that is not already known concerning the larger species. 



Genus Soiurus. 



Sciurus hudsonius hudsonius (Pallas) Allen. Hudsonian Squirrel. 

 I am not positive that the Squirrel obtained by me from the wooded portions of the Yukon 

 district should be referred to this species. 



