MAMMALS—MELINAE-MEPHITIS MESOMELAS. 
199 
species, or that corresponding to the M. zorilla , he distinct, it will probably he necessary to im¬ 
pose a new name upon it, that of Lichtenstein being clearly inadmissible. 
Measurements. 
Current 
Locality. 
Nose to— 
Tail to end of— 
Length of 
number. 
Occip. . 
Tail. 
Yerteb. 
Hairs. 
hind foot. 
1188 
Santa Clara, Cal- - -_ 
2. 50 
11.00 
4.00 
7. 50 
1. 60 
Several skulls of a very small species of Mephitis were collected by Mr. Clark at Indianola ; 
hut no skins saved. These, though perfectly adult, are scarcely larger than those of the common 
ermine weasel, P. noveboracensis , measuring hut two inches in length. The skull is more 
pointed anteriorly than in other species of North American skunks ; the line of intersection of 
tangents to the upper canines and molars falling little more than half the length of the palate 
in advance of the incisors, instead of nearly the whole length of the palate, as in M. chinga. 
The last upper molar is narrower, longitudinally, than in this last mentioned species. 
List of specimens. 
Catalogue 
number. 
Corresponding 
No. of skull 
Locality. 
Whence obtained. 
Nature of 
specimen. 
Collected by— 
1188 
Santa Clara, Cal..___ 
Dr. J. G. Cooper_ 
Skin... .. 
2118 
_...do_-_------ 
_do_ 
Skull .... 
1621 
Indianola, Texas._ 
Col. J. T). Graham_ 
do_ 
J. H. Clark_ 
1622 
.do... 
MEPHITIS MESOMELAS, Licht. 
Mephitis mesomelas, Licht. Darst. Saugt. 1827-34; tab. lv, f. 2. — Ib. Abh. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1836, (1838,) 277. 
Sp. Ch.—S oles entirely covered with hair beneath. A narrow white line from the nose to the vertex, and a nuchal stripe, 
truncated anteriorly, divided behind into two, which extend along the sides of the back and of the tail. 
The very remarkable character exhibited by this species in the densely hairy soles, with the 
short fore claws, separates it at once from all others. Lichtenstein, who describes it first, from 
specimens in the museums of Leyden and Berlin, quotes it as occurring in Louisiana and on the 
Missouri river, though no American naturalist or collector seems to know anything about it. 
The length of body is given at nineteen inches, of the tail at nine. I have never met with the 
species, and introduce it here for the purpose of calling attention to it. 
Some other species of skunks which may possibly occur within the limits of the United States 
are the following: 
