276 SAY’S SQUIRREL. 
The flesh is represented by all travellers as delicate, and is said to be 
equal in flavour to that of any of the species. 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 
This squirrel is found along the shores of the Missouri, and in the wood- 
ed portions of the country, lying east and north of that river ; we have re- 
ceived several specimens, from Michigan, and it seems to be observed west 
and north of that State. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
This species was first discovered by Mr. Thomas Say, and by him des- 
cribed and named Sciurus Macrouriis. This name, unfortunately, was pre- 
occupied, the Ceylon Squirrel having been so designated : (vide Pennant, 
Hist. Quad. ii. p. 140 , No. 330 .) 
Dr. Harlan and Dr. Godman in their respective works, seeing this, ap- 
plied other names. The former calls it {Sciurus magnicaudalus,) the latter 
{Sciurus macroureus.) Authors copied Mr. Say’s description almost liter- 
ally. Dr. Harlan gives Say’s name {S. niaa-ourus,) as a synonyme, and 
Dr. Godman gives his name {Sciurus macroureus) as Say’s name : giving in 
a note intimation that he has taken the liberty of changing the name by 
the addition of a single letter, which he considers sufficient to render 
further change unnecessary. Neither of these gentlemen claimed the dis- 
covery of this species, gave original descriptions, or appear to have ever 
seen the animal ; and, according to all rules which should govern natural- 
ists, they had no right to name it. We, therefore, having procured a good 
many specimens, and having from them identified, and described this 
species, have used the grateful privilege of naming it in honour of its dis- 
coverer, Mr. Say, and have given Dr. Harlan’s and Dr. Godman’s names 
as synonymes. 
