64 
SAY’S MARMOT-SQUIRREL, 
Mr. Drummond obtained several specimens on the Bocky Mountains as 
far north as latitude 5 7°, and observed that it burrowed in the ground. 
Mr. Say did not give any account of its habits, and probably the 
specimen he described was brought into camp by the hunters attached to 
the expedition, without his ever having seen the animal alive. 
All the Spermophiles that we have seen are lively, brisk, and playful, 
resembling the common ground-squirrels ( Tamias Lysteri) in their general 
habits. . 
The Mexican women make pets of some of the species inhabiting that 
country, and they become very fond of their mistresses, running over their 
shoulders, and sometimes nestling in their bosoms, or the pockets of their 
gowns. 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 
Drummond obtained several specimens on the Bocky Mountains, in 
latitude 5 7°. Lewis and Clark state that it is common to every part of 
that range where wood abounds. We have not been able to determine the 
limits of its southern migrations, and have no information as to its 
existence in California, 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
This species was first observed by Lewis and Clark, but was named 
and described by Mr. Say, who placed it among the ground-squirrels. 
Dr. Bichardson subsequently gave a very accurate description of it, and 
transferred it through Jlrctomys to the subgenus Spermophilus, although 
considering it intermediate between the nearly allied subgenera Spermo- 
philus and Tamias, with respect to its claws and teeth. 
It is, however, in reality a Spermophilus and not a Tamias, as can easily 
be seen from the form of the body, the shortness of the legs, shape of the 
feet, and more especially its strong and nearly straight nails. On the 
other hand, the longitudinal lines on the back, and the shape of the tail, 
indicate a slight approach to the Tamice. 
At the close of this article we embrace the opportunity of adding 
another species to this interesting genus, the habitat of which is, however, 
we regret to say, so much involved in obscurity that we cannot with 
certainty, at present, add it to the list of our North American mammalia. 
Shortly after the return of the United States Exploring Expedition 
under the command of Captain Wilkes, we happened to meet several of 
the naturalists who had been attached to the expedition. Some one — we 
cannot now recollect the gentleman — presented us with this specimen, 
