148 
reduction of eight is simply an advance, pari passu, with the increase of 
our knowledge on the subject. We trust that we have proven the posi- 
tion we take, and that we have seen the last of nominal species, based 
upon the endless variations of Arvicola riparius.” 
Distribution and Habits—This species is generally abundant in the Uni- 
ted States. It is numerous in Ohio, according to Mr. Langdon, who has 
specimens from Madisonville, Ohio, and Brookville, Indiana. 
Dr. Hoy states that near Racine, Wisconsin, they are found in woods, 
burrowing under stumps and trees, also in meadows. It shows no prefer- 
ence for low lands, as does A. austerus, but inhabits both high and low 
lands. The burrow is simple, and of slight extent. 
The animal is gregarious, half a dozen or more inhabiting the same 
nest in corn-shocks and potato heaps. Mr. Kennicott states that the 
present species is not as pugnacious as A. austerus, which probably drives 
it off. The voice is a harsh, creaking squal; the animal is noisy in cap- 
tivity, crying out almost continually when several are eating together, 
or at all disturbed. : 
Sus-GENus Pitrymys McMurtrie. 
Arvicola sp., Auctorum. 
= Psammonys, LeConte, 1829 (pinetorum), (not of Rueppell). 
= Pitymys, McMurtrie, 1831 (same type). 
== Pinemys, Lesson, 1842 (same type). 
Sub-generic Characters.—“ Below medium size; body cylindrical and 
otherwise shrew-like in closeness and glossiness of plumage; tail very 
short—less than the head, little more than the hind foot; ears small, 
mostly coneealed, sparsely pilous, with flat edges, and border of meatus 
plane in front; feet small, both 5-tuberculate ; fore claws not shorter than 
hind claws; palms more than half as long as soles; teats only four, in- 
guinal; skull relatively broader than usual; muzzle short, very blunt; 
nasal branch of intermaxillary reaching beyond ends of nasals; distance 
from tips of lower incisors to apex of descending process no greater than 
distance from same point to back of condyle; first under molar with only 
one external closed triangle and two internal ones; no spur on last tri- 
angle of second upper molar; back upper molar with only one exterior 
triangle and a posterior trefoil.” (Coues.) | 
ARVICOLA (PiTymMys) PINETORUM LeConte. 
Pinz MOUSE. 
1825. Arvicola pennsylvanica, Harlan, Fn. Am., 1825, 144 (in part; the 
description, but not the synonomy ; not of authors). 
