Introduction 
XVll 
habits and distribution of most of the species. The in- 
completeness of such data offers a fine opportunity for 
local work. 
The measurements are all given in inches and hundredths, 
unless otherwise stated, as this system was deemed more 
useful and intelligible to the lay reader than that of milli- 
metres, which are used in scientific writings. A few^ words 
as to the measurements may not be amiss. The measure- 
ments commonly taken of a mammal are: The total length 
from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail vertebrae (not to 
the end of the hairs) \ tail vertebrae, from the root of the 
FIG. I. MEASURING A MAMMAL 
Fig. 2, total length; Fig. 3, tail vertebrae; Fig. 4, hind 
foot. — After Alerriam 
tail to the end of the vertebrae; hind foot, from the heel to 
the end of the longest toe of the hind foot; in some cases, 
such as a rabbit, the length of the ear from the notch to the 
tip is also often useful; and in bats the length of the forearm 
is a valuable point and often absolutely necessary. The 
plate shows the method of taking the three first named 
in a small mammal. The measurements should always 
be taken in the flesh before skinning. 
