NEW SPECIES OF AMERICAN QUADRUPEDS. 71 
for a considerable time. Their note so much re- 
sembles that of the dusky grouse, (T. obscurus ,). that 
have more than once been deceived by it. 
9. Tamias minimus. Least Ground Squirrel. 
TWiminutive and beautiful species of tamias , 
no half the size of the common ground squirrel, is 
another of the discoveries of Mr. Townsend. He 
says in his notes : “ It is found very plentiful along 
the banks of the Rio Colorado, but, I think, does 
not inhabit a very extensive range, as I never saw 
it after leaving this river. It keeps almost con- 
stantly among heaps of stones, on the tops of which 
it often perches, extending its long tail over its back, 
and curving it over in front of its head. At such 
times it emits a lively, garrulous note, like the 
squeaking of a young puppy, but, if approached, 
darts off with astonishing swiftness, carrying the 
tail level with the ground, and almost eluding the 
eye by the activity of its motions, and conceals it- 
self under some jutting rock, or in the interstices of 
a stone heap, until the intruder has passed.” 
Length of head and body, 3 inches 9 lines, 
tail, (vertebrae,) 3 « 2 “ 
“ to the end of fur, 4 “ 0 “ 
Height of ear posteriorly, 0 “ 2 h “ 
Length of head, 1 3 u 
Of heel to end of middle claw, l “ 0 “ 
The head is rather small ; the nose very sharp 
pom e , claws moderately curved, compressed, 
