72 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
[Yol. X, No. 4, 
anything to eat. The house mouse is distributed in most 
inhabited regions of the world. It was introduced into America 
from Europe almost with the first settlers from the latter country. 
Its original home is said to be southern Asia from whence it has 
been carried on ship-board to all the land areas and then across 
country by different modes of travel until it has reached its 
present distribution. This species, although so widely distributed, 
is uniform in its characters which designate it and differences 
in environment seem to change it in no perceivable way, as if it 
has developed characters which are perfectly fitted to the 
conditions under which the various specimens live. An interest- 
ing comparison along this line may be made with some of the 
American species of white-footed mice. A species that is widely 
distributed over the continent exists in thirty-five different 
recognized varieties but the house mouse distributed all over the 
world is Mus musculus everywhere. 
Species that may be looked for in Ohio are the following: 
Zapus insignis Miller. Woodland Jumping Mouse. Has 
been taken in western Pennsylvania and may be expected in 
eastern Ohio. Size larger than the meadow jumping mouse, 
ears longer and coloration paler. Premolar teeth are present in 
the other species of jumping mice but absent in this one. The 
species is an inhabitant of deep woods rather than meadows and 
fields. 
Microtus austerus (LeConte). Prairie Meadow Mouse. 
Reported from Indiana, and possibly is a resident of western 
Ohio. Brayton reported this species, but as near as can be 
determined his specimens were the northern pine mouse. It may 
be known from the common meadow mouse by the slightly 
shorter tail and the grayer coloration as well as by the pelage 
appearing coarser. 
Evotomys gapperi (Vigors). Red-backed Mouse. Known 
from Pennsylvania and if procured in Ohio the northeastern part 
of the state most likely will furnish it. The species is said to 
inhabit low woodlands and swamps and to remain in such 
situations nearly all the time. The species is a near relative of 
the common meadow mouse, but smaller and with a chestnut 
color which usually serves to distinguish it readily. 
Peromyscus nuttalli (Harlan). Northern Golden Mouse. 
Specimens are known from central Kentucky and Rev. W. F. 
Henninger believes it is to be found in southern Ohio. The 
color of this mouse at all ages is suggested by the name and is 
a distinguishing characteristic. It is reported as partial to low 
ground, and, as a usual thing, is not abundant anywhere within 
its range. 
