19. In your opinion, are Skunks beneficial or injurious? On what 
facts is this opinion based? 
20. Do you know of one or more instances in which the increase of a 
species of economic importance has been limited by the abundance of its 
natural enemies? If so, give particulars. 
In the Mississippi Valley, and the region between it and the Pacific, 
numerous small rodents called Gophers do great damage to farms and crops. 
There are two principal kinds, Pocket Gophers, which live mostly under 
ground and are characterized by external cheek-pouches and unusually 
large fore-claws ( G eomy s und Thoviomys); and Gophers or Ground Squirrels 
which live mostly above ground and have neither external cheek-pouches 
nor claws of unusual size (Spermophilus and Tamias). Of these, the common 
little Striped Gopher (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) and the large gray 'Line- 
tailed' Spermophile {Spermophilus grammurus) and its varieties are the most 
abundant and widely distributed, and occasion the greatest losses to grain 
crops. Numerous other species, more or less local, affect the farmer's in- 
terests vei-y appreciably. 
Detailed information is desired concerning the habits and ravages of 
all these Gophers. Such information should be accompanied by a speci- 
men (a rough skin will suffice) for positive identification. 
The above remarks apply with equal force to the various small 
mammals known as Kangaroo Rats and Mice, Pocket Rats and Mice, Wood 
Rats and Mice, etc. 
In answering this circular, please mention your occupation. If a 
farmer, state the size and character of your farm, and mention the princi- 
pal crops which you cultivate. 
Write your name and post-office address as plainly as possible. 
Address all comunications to: 
Dr. C. Hart Merriam, 
Chief of Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy. 
Washington, D. C, July 27, 1886. 
