172 
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 
One examined last siimmer was located on a low river bank, among some willows 
and other shrubbery, about ten feet from the water; but within two feet of it 
was a hole about ten inches in diameter which led into an underground channel 
connecting with the main stream. The beaver escaped with a sudden rush and 
a plunge into the water hole. 
Of the several forms which I took the trouble to examine, ‘all but one were 
occupied by the beaver at the time they were di'^covered. The majority were 
happened upon during the forenoon but at least two that I recall were found in 
the early afternoon. In one instance, where the form was located in a sunny, 
grassy spot at the edge of a stream, my companion's and I returned, near the 
middle of the forenoon, next day, and by exercising caution approached by canoe 
to within six feet of the beaver as it lay very still in it's form. While I was Stand- 
ing erect in the canoe endeavoring to get a better view for a camera snapshot, 
the animal took alarm and with startling suddenness scrambled and slid into 
the water. While it lay in the form its head was unfortunately hidden from view 
and I could not sbe whether the animal wa^s taking a nap or merely enjoying a 
sun-bath. — Charles Eugene Johnson, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. 
HORN SHEDDING IN YELLOWSTONE PARK 
Records for the shedding of horns by elk, deer, and antelope in the Yellowstone 
National Park for a number of years are as follows: 
Season 1911-1912. Elk, March 22-April 28. 
Elk, March 20-May 1. 
Mule deer, February 24-March 13 (spike April 13). 
Elk, March 27-April 21 (spike May 15). 
White-tail deer, January 29-March 1. 
Mule deer, February 23-March 27. 
Elk, March 16-April 16. 
(Absent from the Park.) 
(Absent from the Park.) 
Pronghorn, November 15-December 2. 
White-tail deer, February IQ-March 4. 
Mule deer, February 25-March 28. 
Elk, March 12- April 30. 
(Absent from the Park.) 
Pronghorn, October 20-November 25. 
White-tail deer, January 15-February 20. 
Mule deer, January 6-March 25. 
Elk, March 19-May 4. 
Pronghorn, October 31-November 28. 
White-tail deer, January 20-February 10. 
Mule deer, February 3-February 25. 
Elk, February 28-April 21. 
It is quite usual for the ‘‘old-timers” to say that early shedding is a sign of 
an early spring. But such does not seem to be the case. It would appear that 
the condition of the animals is the main factor; and since the healthy condition 
of the animals on the open range is largely dependent on the forage, it would seem 
1912- 1913. 
1913- 1914. 
1914- 1915. 
1915- 1916. 
1916- 1917. 
1917- 1918. 
1918- 1919. 
1919- 1920. 
1920-1921. 
