24 



MAMMALOGY. 



Colors. — Entirely shining brassy-brown, very glossy, and in some 

 lights appearing to be almost metallic ; darker on the top of the head, 

 and lighter and more obscure on the chin and throat ; nose dusky ; 

 feet brownish; nails and last joint of the toes black ; palms dusky; 

 soles of the hind feet dark-brown ; tail light-brown, thinly furnished 

 with scattering hairs. 



Hab. — Oregon. Specimen in Nat. Mus. Washington. 



This is the most beautiful species of mole yet discovered in America, 

 and is colored differently from any other with which we are acquainted. 

 The entire pilage is of the richest silky-brown, presenting a gloss or 

 lustre rarely observed in such a high degree in quadrupeds. In its 

 dentition and other general characters, this animal is a strict con- 

 gener of Scalops toiomendii, but is smaller and not of the same colors. 

 Its black claws are entirely peculiar and characteristic, and afford a 

 character by which it can be always recognized with facility. 



We find nothing recorded by the naturalists relating to the history 

 of this interesting species, though the credit of its discovery is due to 

 the Expedition, in the collection of which the specimen yet remains 

 unique, and in good preservation. 



This mole has no white on the under parts of the body as in S. 

 townsendii, and is smaller than that species. 



2. Scalops townsendii, Bacliman. 



Scalops townsendii, Bachman, Journal Philad. Acad. VIII, p. 58. 



Aud. and Bach. Quad, of N. A. Plate CXLV ; oct. ed. Ill, Plate 

 CXLV. 



One very fine and characteristic specimen is in the collection of the- 

 Expedition. It was obtained in Oregon, and presents no characters, 

 nor have we any facts in relation to this species, other than have been 

 given by the authors above referred to, unless, indeed, we may except 

 the curious statement made by Mr. Peale, that it devoured dried jpeas 

 eagerly, a habit quite unusual in an insectivorous animal. 



Mr. Peale observes with reference to this species : 



"The provisions furnished to our party travelling from Oregon to 

 California, consisted in part of peas and tallow ; the peas were carried 

 in bags, which were suffered to lie on the ground when we encamped, 



