MAMMALS—SORICINAE-SOREX THOMPSON!. 
35 
The upper parts are of a dark olive-brown, without any tinge of a reddish or chestnut, the 
sides are a little paler. The under parts are of a dark ashy-white, likewise without any tinge 
of rusty or yellowish. The difference in color between the back and belly is well marked. The 
feet and under surface of the tail are brownish white. There is a slight hoariness on the back 
produced by the lighter shade on the hairs near their points. 
Owing to its mutilation, the exact length and proportions of the entire skull cannot be ascer¬ 
tained. Dental formula ~ -j- ~ = 30. The teeth are quite large ; the basal hook of 
the anterior upper incisor about as large as the third lateral tooth, which is somewhat less 
than the first and second, themselves equal. The third tooth touches the first molar and thus 
conceals the small fourth tooth when viewed laterally. The lower anterior incisor has no lobes 
or dentations in No. 247, while two of them are more or less distinctly indicated in Nos. 2062 
and 1686. 
Measurements of No. 247, ( dried shin,) probably stretched. 
Inches. 
Lines. 
Nose to root of tail_ _ 
2. 
0 
Tail to end of vertebra_ 
1. 
1 
Tail to end of hairs___... 
1. 
3 
Hand from wrist_..._ 
. 2J 
Foot from heel_ 
. 4-ij 
Length of bony palate .._ - 
• 2 & 
Width of upper jaw _ 
• liV 
This species is the smallest that has yet come under my examination, one specimen weighing 
less than 22 grains. It is readily distinguishable by its olive-brown color and small number of 
lateral incisors, as well as diminutive feet, from S. personatus and cooperi. In form it resembles 
S. hoyi, but is much smaller in size and proportions, much darker in color, has larger ears, less 
dentations on the lower anterior incisors, &c. It is barely possible that the two may be the 
same, but of different ages and seasons; but their differences are considerable, and both appear 
perfectly adult in all points. 
As this species appears to be undescribed, I have named it after the late Professor Zadock 
Thompson, of Vermont, one whose recent death has caused a gap in the ranks of local scientific 
investigators, not soon to be filled. 
List of Specimens. 
Catalogue 
number. 
Corresponding 
No. of skull. 
Locality. 
Whence obtained. 
Nature of specimen. 
1686 
Burlington, Yt_ 
Pi'of. Z. Thompson_ 
Tn alcohol __ _ 
247 
3099 
Zanesville, Ohio. . 
A. C. Koss__-_ 
Skin . 
2062 
3098 
Halifax, N. S_ 
Dr. J. B. Gilpin.. 
do 
