Chapter XIII: Introduction (12)

Compared with the skull of _M. f. longicauda_, that of both sexes of _primulina_ averages smaller in every part measured, except in males where the length of the tympanic bulla, and breadth and length of M1 are the same or slightly larger in _primulina_. Relative to the basilar length, the length of the tympanic bullae, and in females only, the depth measurements are greater in _primulina_ but all the others, in both sexes, are less. These ratios reflect the relative narrowness of the skull of _primulina_. Upon direct comparison the narrowness is especially noticeable in the interorbital region, mastoid region, tympanic bullae, and across the zygomata.

Compared with the skull of _M. f. neomexicana_ that of both sexes of _primulina_ averages smaller in every part measured. Excepting the measurements of the teeth, most of the other measurements are constantly larger. Relative to the basilar length, the length of tooth-rows and length of tympanic bulla are more, but excepting the depth measurements, the others are less. Still other differences are, in _primulina_, less well-developed sagittal crest, anterolateral corner of bulla rounded rather than "square," and in males a transversely convex rather than flat interorbital region.

Compared with _M. f. frenata_ and _M. f. texensis_, the skulls of males of _primulina_ differ in being smaller in every part measured but relative to the basilar length, have longer tooth-rows, a lesser zygomatic breadth and are less constricted interorbitally.

Compared with the skull of _M. f. olivacea_, those of both sexes of _primulina_ average smaller in every part measured, have shallower (dorsoventrally) tympanic bullae, a lower sagittal crest and slightly weaker postorbital processes on the frontals. Relative to the basilar length, the several cranial measurements are about the same.

Comparison of the skull with that of _M. f. arthuri_ has been made in the account of that subspecies.

_Remarks._--The first specimens of this race known to have been preserved in study collections are one in the United States National Museum, taken at Bridge, Carroll County, Missouri, many years ago by J. Burbage, and less than a dozen specimens preserved before 1900 from eastern Kansas in the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History. In 1913 Hartley H. T. Jackson bestowed a name on this animal on the basis of two specimens taken by him in southwestern Missouri. Later, through the efforts of Charles D. Bunker, and his associates at the University of Kansas, nearly 100 specimens were saved from eastern Kansas, principally from Douglas County. In the course of the present study, Lawrence V. Compton obtained a topotype for the California Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, and with the assistance of Mr. B. G. Roberts, a good series of specimens from Boone County, Arkansas, was preserved in the same museum. In the early years of the 20th Century, the late B. H. Bailey at Coe College, Iowa, collected specimens from that state. The specimens from these several sources suffice to give a relatively clear idea of the characters of this subspecies.

_Mustela frenata primulina_ is closely related to _M. f. noveboracensis_, from which, on the average, it differs in the lighter color of the upper parts of the summer coat, in the more intense coloring of the underparts, and in certain cranial features pointed out above. In the southern part of its range, however, _noveboracensis_ has the underparts only a little less intensely colored with yellow than _primulina_. Also, the skull of the one topotype from 7-1/2 miles southeast of Carthage, a subadult male in brown, winter pelage, is almost exactly intermediate between that of _noveboracensis_ from Massachusetts and _primulina_ of Douglas County, Kansas, and Boone County, Arkansas. _M. f. primulina_ often has the underparts white in winter, as does this topotype which agrees with the average of _noveboracensis_ in small size of teeth and narrowness across the mastoid processes and zygomatic arches. However, it agrees with _primulina_ in shape and relative size of the rostrum. It is almost exactly intermediate in shape and width of the tympanic bullae.

Three other males, but no females, all in winter pelage, are available from eastern Missouri. Of the two from Silex, Lincoln County, one is nearer _noveboracensis_ and the other nearer _primulina_ on the basis of cranial characters. The third specimen, from four miles south of Lesterville, so far as I can determine by examination of individual cranial characters and tabulation of results, is exactly intermediate. Final decision on the proper allocation of specimens from the parts of Missouri represented can best be made when skulls of females are available. From the fact that the skull of the female referred to _noveboracensis_ from Golconda, Illinois, shows almost as many characters of _primulina_ as of _noveboracensis_, it is judged that females from as far west as Silex and Lesterville, Missouri, will show even more characters of _primulina_ and so be referable to that form. If this supposition be correct, the present reference of the almost exactly intermediate males, from eastern Missouri, will stand; otherwise, it may not.

Additional intergrades with _noveboracensis_ are available from eastern Iowa. Of five specimens from Hillsboro, Iowa, two males and a female have tympanic bullae like those of _primulina_ but the other two males have bullae like those of _noveboracensis_. The female is smaller than _primulina_ and in this small size and in general configuration of the skull, viewed dorsally, is more nearly like _noveboracensis_. As a whole, the population averages almost exactly intermediate. The same is true of 3 males and one female from Muscatine. The subadult male from Keosaqua, to my eye, resembles _noveboracensis_ in the greater length of the skull anteriorly to the postorbital processes, and in the relative narrowness across the mastoidal region, but otherwise is more like that of _primulina_. Two males and one female from Tipton, although in each instance variously intermediate, are as a whole nearer _primulina_, No. 2865, Coe College, male adult, from Cedar Rapids, has characters of the three races, _spadix_, _noveboracensis_ and _primulina_. In the skull, the width suggests _spadix_, the narrow mastoid region, _noveboracensis_, and the tympanic bullae are as in _spadix_ or _primulina_. One male, no. 12, Coe College, from Dubuque, is as narrow across the mastoid region as is _noveboracensis_ although the bullae are well inflated as in _primulina_. The skull, without corresponding skin, of a female, no. 140a, Iowa State College, from Green's Island, also resembles _noveboracensis_ in narrowness of the mastoidal region, and in small size of skull, but in larger teeth, broader tympanic bullae, and sagittal crest is referable to _primulina_. Of two females from Vinton, one adult is typical of _primulina_ but the other, a subadult, is practically indistinguishable from female _noveboracensis_, from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Three males from Vinton agree well with _primulina_ except that the interorbital region is wider than average and thereby suggests _spadix_ or _noveboracensis_. An adult female from New Hartford also is typical of _primulina_ except for the broader interorbital region. Three males from Fayette are typical of _primulina_.

Other specimens from Iowa are intergrades with _spadix_, or if not with _spadix_, with the animal of northwestern Iowa which in some ways combines the characters of _longicauda_ and _spadix_. For example, no. 2665, Coe College, an adult male from Davenport, has the anterior part of the skull (all that is preserved) heavily ridged as in _spadix_ and in addition, the underparts are marked with the shade of reddish displayed by topotypes of _spadix_ and with some yellowish as seen in _longicauda_. The color pattern, however, is as in _primulina_. A young male, no. C-51, Iowa State College, from Kelley, Story County, has anteriorly truncate bullae as are more frequently found in the _longicauda-spadix_ stock of northwestern Iowa, than in _primulina_. In other respects, the animal, in so far as can be judged from the broken skull, agrees with _primulina_ as it certainly does in color, color pattern, and external measurements. An adult male, no. 499a, Iowa State College, from 2 miles east of Ledges St. Park, in Boone County, in short body, size of teeth, and size of skull, in so far as the broken parts can be measured, resembles _primulina_ more closely than it does any other subspecies. The long tail, long hind foot, wide extent of the light-colored underparts, and extension of the color of the underparts onto the hind feet are more as in _spadix_. Other intergrades with _spadix_ from Iowa are mentioned in the account of _spadix_.

The specimen from Swartz, Louisiana, suggests intergradation with _arthuri_ in that the anteromedial part of the tympanic bulla is less inflated than in typical _primulina_.

Intergrades with _longicauda_ are available from Riley and Pratt counties, Kansas. No. 7182, Univ. Kans., subadult male in winter pelage, from near Winkler, has a skull of larger size as in _longicauda_ with which race it seems to agree in large size of body, tail and hind foot, although the collector's measurements are lacking. Color pattern and relative proportions of the skull throughout are as in _primulina_. The young male, no. 3495, Univ. Kans., from Pratt, Kansas, agrees in external measurements and large size of skull with _longicauda_, but has the color and color pattern precisely as in _primulina_. The teeth are smaller as in _primulina_. Immaturity prevents judging of its relationships on the basis of relative proportions of the skull.

The two specimens, skins only, available from Oklahoma, are provisionally referred to _primulina_. These are remarkable for the restriction of the color of the underparts and for the intensity of the yellow coloration of the underparts. The specimen from Norman has the color of the underparts entirely absent from the hind legs and not extending posteriorly to the penis. On the chest and lower throat, large spots of color of the upper parts are present and the yellow area of the underparts on the belly is narrower than in any other specimen of _primulina_ examined. The specimen from 8 miles northwest of Stillwater has the color of the underparts only a little less restricted although this color does extend over the inguinal region almost to the knees. The skin of the posterior part of the body of a weasel is available from 10 miles south of Sulphur Springs, Texas. It, likewise, is only provisionally referred to _primulina_. The coloration is about as in the specimens from Oklahoma but the distribution of the color of the underparts cannot be made out.

The dark color of the upper parts occurs far westward in animals which otherwise display characters of _longicauda_. Among these intergrades, the larger size of _longicauda_ generally is combined with this dark color. This geographic behavior of the dark color of the upper parts is analogous to the condition described in _M. f. spadix_. Stated in another way, the dark color of the upper parts is the character, of the eastern animal, last to disappear as one goes westward across the Mississippi Valley toward the range of _longicauda_ which is a subspecies of markedly different size, shape of skull, and coloration.

Only two of 29 specimens from Kansas show infestation of the frontal sinuses. All four of the specimens from Missouri have the frontal sinuses malformed as do 9 of the 14 from Arkansas examined in this respect.

An adult female from Boone County, Iowa, bears the date May 9, 1938, and the annotation by T. G. Scott, "Fox-killed."

_Specimens examined._--Total number, 131, arranged alphabetically
by states and from north to south by counties in each state.
Except as otherwise indicated, specimens are in the University of
Kansas, Museum of Natural History.

=Arkansas.= _Boone County_: 3 mi. E Bergman, 4[74]; 3 mi. SE
Bergman, 1[74]; 3 mi. S Bergman, 1[74]; 3 mi. SW Bergman, 1[74]; 4
mi. SE Bergman, 2[74]; 5 mi. SE Bergman, 1[74]; 4-1/2 mi. SE
Bergman, 3[74]; 5 mi. SE Bergman, 1[74]; 5 mi. S Bergman, 2[74]; 5
mi. SW Bergman, 2[74]. _Washington County_: Fayetteville, 1[96].
_Crawford County_: 10 mi. S Winslow, 1. _Sebastian County_: Fort
Smith, 1[91].

=Iowa.= _Fayette County_: Fayette, 3[12]. _Dubuque County_:
Dubuque, 1[12]; Green's Island, 1[65]. _Butler County_: New
Hartford, 1[12]. _Hardin County_: Union, 1[65]. _Benton County_:
Vinton, 5[12]. _Linn County_: Cedar Rapids, 1[12]. _Boone County_:
Worth Township, Sec. 21, 1[65]; 2 mi. E Ledges St. Park, 1[65].
_Story County_: Kelley, 1[65]. _Cedar County_: Tipton, 3[12].
_Scott County_: Davenport, 2[12]. _Muscatine County_: Muscatine,
4[12]. _Henry County_: Hillsboro, 5[91]. _Van Buren County_:
Keosaqua, 1[65]; no locality more definite than county, 1[50].
_Taylor County_, 1.

=Kansas.= _Riley County_: near Winkler, 1. _Pottawatomie County_:
Onaga, 1[83]. _Atchison County_: Doniphan Lake, 1; 5 mi. NE
Muscotah, 1; no locality more definite than county, 1. _Douglas
County_: Lawrence, 8; 6 mi. NW Lawrence, 1; 1-1/2 mi. W Lawrence,
1; 6 mi. S Lawrence, 1; 7 to 7-1/2 mi. SW Lawrence, 14; 10 mi. W
Lawrence, 1; Clinton, 4; Baldwin, 1; no locality more than county,
29 (2[74]). _Woodson County_: 1-1/2 mi. S Neosho Falls, 1[59].
_Greenwood County_: 8 mi. SW Toronto, 2. _Pratt County_: Pratt, 1.

=Louisiana.= _Quachita Parish_: Swartz, 1[71].

=Missouri.= _Carroll County_: Bridge Creek, 1[91]. _Lincoln
County_: Silex, 1[74]; 1 mi. E Silex, 1[74]. _Reynolds County_: 4
mi. S Lesterville, 1[74]. _Jasper County_: 5 mi. NE Avilla, 1[91];
7-1/2 mi. SE Carthage, 1[74].

=Oklahoma.= _Payne County_: 8 mi. NW Stillwater, 1[82]. _Cleveland
County_: Norman, 1[100].

=Texas.= _Hopkins County_: 10 mi. S Sulphur Springs, 1[43].

=Mustela frenata arthuri= Hall

Long-tailed Weasel

Plates 16, 17 and 18

_Mustela noveboracensis arthuri_ Hall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington,
40:193, December 2, 1927.

_Mustela frenata arthuri_ Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ.
473:105, November 20, 1936.

_Type._--Male, subadult, skull and skin; no. 37515, Mus. Vert.
Zoöl.; Remy, St. James Parish, Louisiana; December 15, 1926;
obtained by Stanley C. Arthur.

The skin is stuffed and well preserved. The skull (plates 16-18)
is unbroken. The teeth all are present and entire. The presence of
a well-developed scrotal pouch shows the specimen to be a male.
Contrary to what was stated in the original description the
specimen was taken in 1926 and not in 1925.

_Range._--Lower Austral Life-zone of southeastern Texas,
Louisiana, and into Mississippi. See figure 29 on page 221.

_Characters for ready recognition (of males)._--Differs from _M.
f. olivacea_ in smaller size (adult males with hind foot and
basilar length less than 45), depth of skull at anterior margin of
basioccipital, ignoring sagittal crest, amounting to more than 63
per cent of mastoid breadth, and greater convexity of dorsal
outline of skull in longitudinal axis (see pls. 16-18); from _M.
f. noveboracensis_, in males, by zygomatic breadth not less than
distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of
tympanic bulla and by convex dorsal outline of skull in
longitudinal axis; from _M. f. primulina_ by evenly spreading
zygomatic arches, lesser inflation of tympanic bullae
anteromedially than posteromedially, and convex dorsal outline of
skull in longitudinal axis; from _M. f. texensis_ and _M. f.
frenata_ by absence of white facial markings and postorbital
breadth more than distance between posterior borders of P4 and P2.

_Description._--_Size._--Male: The type, a subadult male, measures
(inches and quarter fractions thereof, transposed into
millimeters) as follows: Total length, 390; length of tail, 113;
length of hind foot, 44. Tail is 41 per cent as long as head and
body. Length of hind foot less than basal length.

Typical female unknown.

_Externals._--Longest facial vibrissae black, or dark brown (both
colors in the type) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae
same color as underparts and extending to within 3.5 millimeters
of apical pad of fifth digit. Hairiness of foot-soles in type
slightly less than shown in figure 20.

_Color._--Upper parts in summer tone 4 of Burnt Umber of Oberthür
and Dauthenay, pl. 304; underparts as described in _M. f.
olivacea_. In winter, upper parts (based on type) near (1)
Brussels Brown or grayer than tone 4 of Burnt Umber of Oberthür
and Dauthenay, pl. 304, darker on top of head from nose to a line
connecting posterior margins of ears. Chin and posterior third of
each upper lip white. Remainder of underparts white with wash of
Warm Buff. Tip of tail black. Color of underparts extends distally
on posterior sides of forelegs over toes but represented on
antipalmar faces of feet by only a few scattered hairs. Color of
underparts extends distally on medial sides of hind limbs only to
knees. Least width of color of underparts amounting to 15 per cent
of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail 50
mm. long; thus longer than hind foot and 44 per cent as long as
tail-vertebrae.

_Skull and teeth._--Male (based on type and 2 subadults): See
measurements and plates 16-18. As described in _M. f.
noveboracensis_ except that: Weight, 4.0 (3.7-4.3) grams; basilar
length, 43.5 (43.3-43.6); zygomatic breadth not less than distance
between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic
bulla; postorbital breadth more than length of upper premolars;
interorbital breadth more than distance between foramen opticum
and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; least width of palate more
or less than length of P4; tympanic bulla longer than rostrum.

Female: Typical skull unknown. The skull from 12 miles east of
Eagle Lake, Texas, lacks the convexity in the dorsal longitudinal
axis and the skull agrees with those of larger individuals of
_primulina_ except that the anteromedial faces of the tympanic
bullae are less inflated, and the mastoid and zygomatic breadths
are greater than in any female seen of _primulina_. Probably this
greater breadth is the result of intergradation with _M. f.
frenata_ to the westward.

Compared with the skull of _M. f. olivacea_ that of _arthuri_ differs as follows: Averaging smaller in every part measured; basilar length 5 mm. less; by weight a fourth lighter; relative to basilar length, interorbital breadth greater and zygomatic and especially mastoid breadth less; dorsal outline of skull more convex in longitudinal axis; tympanic bullae narrower and less inflated especially on anteromedial faces. Compared with the skull of _noveboracensis_ that of _arthuri_ has the zygomatic breadth equal to or exceeding the distance from the anterior palatine foramen to the anterior margin of the tympanic bulla, whereas the zygomatic breadth is less than this distance in _noveboracensis_. Also, in _arthuri_, the rostrum is relatively shorter, the braincase is more inflated anteriorly, the zygomatic arches are more uniformly spreading, and the dorsal outline of the skull is distinctly convex, both transversely and longitudinally, whereas it is transversely more nearly flat in _noveboracensis_ and longitudinally is concave in the interorbital region.

Compared with _M. f. primulina_, _arthuri_ has narrower bullae, which are much less inflated on their anteromedial faces, a less marked postorbital constriction, a braincase which is narrower across the mastoid region and broader anteriorly, and a skull, which, in longitudinal axis, has the dorsal outline markedly more convex.

Compared with the skull of _M. f. texensis_ that of _arthuri_ is smaller in every part measured; length one-fifth less; one-half as heavy; postorbital constriction less marked; braincase relatively narrower posteriorly and tympanic bullae less inflated especially anteromedially. Compared with the skull of _M. f. frenata_ that of _arthuri_ is smaller in every part measured; basilar length 6 mm. less; a third lighter; postorbital constriction less marked; relative to the basilar length the rostrum is broader, longer and deeper; the zygomatic expanse and breadth of the braincase across the mastoids is less; the dorsal profile of the skull is more convex in longitudinal axis; zygomata evenly spreading rather than abruptly protruding from skull posteriorly; tympanic bullae less inflated anteromedially.

_Remarks._--In 1926, Stanley C. Arthur, then Director of the Division of Wild Life, for the Louisiana State Department of Conservation, obtained specimens of this weasel. Some of them were mounted and the remainder were placed in the collections of the United States National Museum and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy. In 1938 to 1940 George H. Lowery saved specimens from Baton Rouge, which showed the color of the summer pelage and revealed that the size of males was more than was indicated by the original materials. In 1940 and 1941 Rollin H. Baker obtained specimens from eastern Texas which greatly extended the known geographic range.

In addition to the localities represented by specimens examined, Arthur (1928:117) has recorded specimens from Greensburg, St. Helena Parish; Braithwaite, Plaquemines Parish; Geismar, Assumption Parish; Laurel Hill, West Feliciana Parish; French Settlement, Livingston Parish; and Kentwood, Tangipahoa Parish. All these localities lie within the eastern half of southern Louisiana. A skin-only, no. 38902, Mus. Vert. Zoöl., obtained from a fur buyer by Stanley C. Arthur, was taken in Mississippi "south of Jackson." Possibly it is of the subspecies _arthuri_.

Intergradation with _M. f. olivacea_ is indicated by a specimen from Mobile County, Alabama, commented on in the account of _olivacea_. Intergradation with _primulina_ is indicated by the shape of the anteromedial part of the bullae of the specimen from Swartz, Louisiana, that is referred to _primulina_. The lack of specimens from the northern two-thirds of Mississippi and from western Tennessee, prevents any definite statement as to the limits of range of _arthuri_ in those areas. In comparison with animals from the type locality, the slightly larger size of the adult male from Baton Rouge, and the still larger size of the adult male of _primulina_ from Swartz, Louisiana, suggests that the _olivacea_ "influence" may extend farther west in the latitude of northern Louisiana than anywhere else.

None of the skulls examined shows malformation of the frontal sinuses such as results from infestation by parasites in some races. Arthur (1928:115) speaks of the ". . . cut-over swamp land, where the tupelo and cypress have been removed, . . ." as constituting suitable habitat for this animal.

_Specimens examined._--Total number, 13, as follows:

=Texas.= _Colorado County_: 12 mi. N Eagle Lake, 1[43]; 5 mi. W
Eagle Lake, 1[43]; 3 mi. S Garwood, 1[43].

=Louisiana.= _East Baton Rouge Parish_: Baton Rouge, 4[71].
_Livingston Parish_: Springville, 1[74]. _Saint James Parish_:
Convent, 1[91]; Remy, 2 (1[74], 1[45]). _Assumption Parish_: near
Lake Verret, 1[45].

=Mississippi.= _Harrison County_: Saucier, 1[71].

=Mustela frenata olivacea= Howell

Long-tailed Weasel

Plates 16, 17, 18, 31, 32 and 33

_Mustela peninsulae olivacea_ Howell, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington,
26:139, May 21, 1913.

_Mustela frenata olivacea_, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ.
473:104, November 20, 1936.

_Type._--Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 180802, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
Biol. Surveys Coll.; Autaugaville, Autauga County, Alabama;
December 22, 1912; obtained by L. S. Golsan.

The skull (plates 16-18), although cracked at two places in the
interorbital region, is in one piece and not warped out of shape.
The teeth all are present and entire. The skin is exceptionally
well made and in perfect condition except for the extreme tip of
the tail which is broken off.

_Range._--Lower and Upper Austral life-zones in eastern
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and northern
Florida. See figure 29 on page 221.

_Characters for ready recognition._--Differs from _M. f.
peninsulae_ in finer, softer pelage and shorter (less than 15.8 in
ad. [F]) tympanic bullae; from _M. f. noveboracensis_, in adult
males by wider tympanic bulla which is more than rather than less
than 8.5, in adult females by total length which is more than
rather than less than 345, and by mastoid breadth which is more
than rather than less than distance between articular faces of
exoccipital condyle and glenoid fossa; from _M. f. arthuri_ in
larger size (adult males with hind foot and basilar length each
more than 45); depth of skull at anterior margin of basioccipital,
ignoring sagittal crest, amounting to less than 63 per cent of
mastoid breadth, and lesser convexity of dorsal outline of skull
in longitudinal axis (See pls. 16-18).

_Description._--_Size._--Male and female: External measurements
of adults are available as follows:

Length Length
Catalogue Sex Locality Total of of hind
no. length tail foot
47165 [M] Box Springs, 454 160 48
Talbot Co., Georgia

47166 [M] Box Springs, 435 147 47
Talbot Co., Georgia

47167 [M] Box Springs, 422 145 45
Talbot Co., Georgia

41023 [M] Thomas Co., 443 140 47
Georgia

41025 [M] Grady Co., 395 142 47
Georgia

223880 [M] Okefinokee Swamp, 416 145 49
Georgia

198 [M] Okefinokee Swamp, 425 140 48
Georgia

Average 7 [M] 427 146 47

49385 [F] Gainesville, 396 124 45*
Alachua Co., Florida

41024 [F] Thomas Co., 380 125 41
Georgia

51527 [F] Talbot Co., 376 128 43
Georgia
* [not typical]

The length of the hind foot averages less than the basal length in
both males and females. The tail averages 52 per cent as long as
the head and body in males and 51 per cent in females. Average
differences in measurements of the two sexes are: Total length,
49; length of tail, 19; length of hind foot, 5. An adult male, no.
41023, and an adult female, no. 41024, each taken in February,
1929, on the Sinkola Plantation, Thomas County, Georgia, weighed
15 ounces (425 grams) and 7 ounces (198 grams) respectively
according to Charles O. Handley.

_Externals._--As described in _Mustela frenata noveboracensis_,
except that hairiness of foot-soles slightly less than shown in
figure 19.

_Color._--Upper parts, in summer, near tone 4 of Burnt Umber of
Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 304. In winter lighter, between tones
3 and 4 of Raw Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 301. Dark spot
at each angle of mouth present or absent. Underparts ranging from
Massicot Yellow to Cream Buff except on chin and upper lips which
are white. Tip of tail black. Upper parts of uniform color. Color
of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over
antipalmar faces of toes and on medial sides of hind limbs to
ankles. Least width of color of underparts averaging, in a series
of five males from Talbot Co., Georgia, 29 (extremes 24-34) per
cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail
in same series, averaging 65 (extremes 60-70) mm. long, thus
longer than hind foot and averaging 43 per cent of length of
tail-vertebrae.

The spot at the angle of the mouth is absent in one-third of the
specimens examined. The upper lips are white in specimens from the
southern part of the range of _olivacea_ but in the northern part
of the range of the subspecies the upper lips are dark colored as
in _noveboracensis_.

_Skull and teeth._--Male (based on 5 adults from Talbot Co.,
Georgia): See measurements and plates 16-18; weight, 5.3 (5.0-6.4)
grams; basilar length, 48.3 (45.8-50.1); zygomatic breadth more or
less (usually less) than distance between condylar foramen and M1
and more or less (usually more) than distance between anterior
palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid
breadth more or less than (averaging about equal to) postpalatal
length; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars
and more or less than (about equal to) width of basioccipital
measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to
its opposite; interorbital breadth more or less than (about equal
to) distance between foramen opticum and anterior margin of
tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum less than length of tympanic
bulla; least width of palate less than greatest length of P4;
anterior margin of tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen
ovale as width of 3 to 5 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla
not less than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale;
length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and
premolar tooth-row and longer than rostrum (one exception);
anterior margin of masseteric fossa below posterior half of m2.

Female (based on 2 adults from Thomas Co., Ga., and one from
Talbot Co., Ga.): See measurements and plates 31-33; weight, 3.8
(3.5-4.0) grams; basilar length, 43.4 (42.7-44.0); zygomatic
breadth less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than
between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic
bulla; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars and
more or less (usually more) than width of basioccipital measured
from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its
opposite; least width of palate less than greatest length of P4;
tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3 to
4 (including I3) upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla not less
(usually more) than distance from its anterior margin to foramen
ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar
and premolar tooth-row and longer than rostrum.

The skull of the female averages 28 per cent lighter than that of
the male.

Compared with the skull of _M. f. peninsulae_, of which only one good skull, and that a female, is available, that of _M. f. olivacea_ averages smaller and has relatively and actually smaller and less inflated bullae. As compared with the skull of _M. f. noveboracensis_, that of _olivacea_ in the case of males is larger in every part measured and relative to the basilar length is broader across the zygomatic arches and mastoids. However, the rostrum and interorbital region are relatively narrower. The orbitonasal length is relatively less. The tympanic bullae are broader and more inflated. The same differences hold as between females of _noveboracensis_ and _olivacea_. Indeed, the females of these two races differ more than do the males. Additional, selected differential cranial characters in the females are, in _olivacea_, as follows: Weight averaging 3.8 grams rather than 1.7 grams; braincase with, rather than without, sagittal crest; anterior border of tympanic bulla separated from foramen ovale by breadth of less than, rather than breadth of more than, 4 upper incisors (including I3); height of tympanic bulla not less than, rather than less than, distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; squamosal bone, between anterior margin of tympanic bulla and foramen ovale, ventrally concave rather than ventrally convex. Comparisons of the skulls with those of _M. f. arthuri_ and _M. f. primulina_ are made in the accounts of those subspecies.

_Remarks._--Excepting two young specimens from South Carolina in the Charleston Museum, no specimens of this race of large weasel seem to have been preserved until Arthur H. Howell, in the course of his study of the mammals of Alabama, procured specimens on which his name, _olivacea_, was based. Later, Francis Harper obtained three instructive specimens from Okefinokee Swamp. Really adequate material, for the localities represented, owes its preservation to the alertness of Charles O. Handley, when he resided at Thomasville, Georgia, and to Hallie E. Fuller of Geneva, Talbot Co., Georgia.

The distinctness of _M. f. olivacea_ from _M. f. peninsulae_ is not satisfactorily established due to inadequate material of _peninsulae_. Differences shown by the specimens seen indicate that, as compared with _olivacea_, _peninsulae_ is larger, has transversely wider light-colored underparts which possess more yellow, and a larger skull with more inflated tympanic bullae. In each of these characters, _olivacea_ is intermediate between _noveboracensis_ on the north and _peninsulae_ on the south. The question arises, therefore, whether the animals here recognized under the name _olivacea_ really constitute a recognizable subspecies or instead are only representatives of a subspecies which reaches its extreme development in Florida. In the latter event, the name _peninsulae_ would apply to all. Examination of more material from Florida, especially from the southern half of Florida, will be necessary to answer this question.

This large weasel of the southeastern United States is remarkably different from _noveboracensis_. Indeed, were it not for actual intergrades such as the two from Fort Payne, Alabama, and York, South Carolina, which are described in the account of _M. f. noveboracensis_, and the six specimens from northwestern Alabama, which are referred to _olivacea_, the systematist, I believe, would have little or no hesitancy in designating the two as distinct species, especially on the basis of differences to be seen in the skull.

Not only are the two forms structurally more different than usually is the case but between two geographically, adjacent subspecies of the same species of mammal, but the belt where intergradation occurs appears to be narrow. Nevertheless, when material of the two races is laid out in geographic order, and examined in mass, certain features are seen to undergo gradual change as a person's eye travels from specimens from, say, the center of the range of _noveboracensis_ to specimens from southern localities adjoining the territory occupied by _olivacea_. One of these features subject to gradual change is the color of the underparts. Beginning at the Adirondacks of New York where a large number of the specimens have white underparts, the underparts become more intensely yellowish southward through the range of _noveboracensis_ into that of _olivacea_. Indeed, this progressive trend seems to continue right on southward through the range of _olivacea_ into that of _peninsulae_. Turning in the opposite direction we find that the least width of the underparts decreases gradually northward toward the range of _noveboracensis_. There is, likewise, a decrease to the northward in length of the skull and relative, as well as actual, narrowing of the braincase and tympanic bullae. However, in least width of color of underparts and the mentioned cranial features, the trend stops relatively abruptly at the southern boundary of the geographic range of _noveboracensis_ and does not continue on, northward, into the range of _noveboracensis_ as is the case with the change in intensity of yellowness of the underparts.

Two males, in the United States National Museum, Biological Surveys Collection, from near Leighton, Alabama, no. 178386 from the Tennessee River nine miles north [of Leighton?] and no. 180240 from La Grange Mountain, although clearly referable to _olivacea_ on the basis of cranial characters, show some approach to _noveboracensis_ in lesser size of the skull and agree with _noveboracensis_ in the narrowness of the color of the underparts. Also, these specimens, like others from the northern part of the range of _olivacea_, for instance, no 31.227, Charleston Museum, from Mayesville, South Carolina, have the color of the underparts extended only part way out on the hind limb toward the foot. In specimens of _olivacea_ from the southern part of its range the color of the underparts is extended onto the hind feet and this trend reaches its extreme in _peninsulae_, specimens of which have the feet and larger parts of the limbs marked with the light color of the underparts.

An adult female, no. 32.32, Charleston Museum, although typical of _olivacea_ in most respects, is nevertheless an intergrade. The teeth are as small as in some specimens of _noveboracensis_. The size of the skull is only slightly nearer that of _olivacea_ than it is to that of _noveboracensis_. The proportions of the skull, however, are distinctly those of _olivacea_.

Five other specimens, from northwestern Alabama, namely two from eight miles north of Nauvoo, two from Shoal Creek, and one from White Creek, also show intergradation between _noveboracensis_ and _olivacea_. The remarks concerning color and color pattern of the specimens from Leighton apply equally well to the five from northwestern Alabama. In cranial characters, no. 51658 from Shoal Creek is referable to _olivacea_, as also is no. 51677 from the same place, providing it is a female rather than a male as sexed by the collector. No. 57146 from White Creek also is referable to _olivacea_ although the skull shows some approach to that of _noveboracensis_. Of the two males from near Nauvoo, no. 51652 is to me indistinguishable from _noveboracensis_, but no. 51653 does have some characters of _olivacea_, although on the whole, the latter, too, seems to be a little nearer _noveboracensis_ than _olivacea_. However, because the mean of these seven specimens from northwestern Alabama is nearer _olivacea_ than _noveboracensis_ the former name may be applied.

Another specimen from "Souinlonie" Creek, Clark County, Mississippi, has the coloration and rostral configuration of _primulina_, narrow mastoidal breadth and smaller teeth of _noveboracensis_ and skull of large size with "full" braincase as in _olivacea_. No. 235364, U. S. Nat. Mus., from the Mobile River at the "L. and N. RR. Crossing," Mobile County, Alabama, although definitely _olivacea_, shows approach to _arthuri_ in that the dorsal outline of the skull is longitudinally more convex and the tympanic bullae are less inflated than in _olivacea_ and in that the color of the underparts is almost exactly as in the type specimen of _arthuri_. The young specimen labeled as from "Silver Springs," Florida, has large tympanic bullae (17 mm. long) and several characters that show its relationship to _peninsulae_ as that race is now understood. Because the sex is unknown the identification as _olivacea_ is tentative and is made on the assumption that the specimen is a male. If it is instead a female, the animal is referable to _peninsulae_.

An adult, female specimen in the Charleston Museum, no. 27.239.1, taken at St. Matthews, South Carolina, on December 8, 1927, contained four embryos which averaged 19 mm. in length and 47.75 centigrams in weight. Another adult female, in the Charleston Museum, no. 32.32, taken on February 21, 1932, at the same place, has prominent mammae, and the collector has noted that two were slightly active.

Sixteen of twenty-nine adults examined show infestation of the frontal sinuses by parasites. However, in none is the malformation of the frontal region so great as frequently occurs in _M. f. noveboracensis_.

_Specimens examined._--Total number, 52, arranged alphabetically
by states and from north to south by counties in each state.
Except as otherwise indicated specimens are in the University of
California Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy.

=Alabama.= _Lawrence County_: White Creek, 1; Little Sand Mt.,
Shoal Creek, 2. _Winston County_: 7-1/2 mi. N Nauvoo, 1; 8 mi. N
Nauvoo, 1. _Lauderdale County_: near Leighton, 9 mi. N Tennessee
River, 1[91]. _Colbert County_: Leighton, 1[91]. _Autauga County_:
Autaugaville, 1[91]. _Dale County_: Midland City, 1[91]. _Mobile
County_: Mobile River, 12 mi. NE Mobile, 1[91].

=Florida.= _Alachua County_: Gainesville, 4[61]. _Marion County_:
"Silver Springs," 1.

=Georgia.= _Spalding County_, 1. _Lamar County_, 1. _Talbot
County_: southwest part of county, 1; Box Springs, near Geneva, 3;
Upatoie Creek, 1 mi. SW Box Springs, 2; 3 mi. SE Geneva, 1; 4 mi.
W Geneva, 1; 5 mi. W Geneva, 1; 2 mi. E Geneva, 1. _Chattahoochee
County_, 2. _Grady County_: Beachton, 3[91]; locality no more
definite than county, 4. _Thomas County_: Sinkola Plantation, 2;
locality no more definite than county, 2. _Charlton County_: 1/2
mi. E Chesser's Island, Okefinokee Swamp, 1[58]. _County_ in
question: Billy's Island, Okefinokee Swamp, 1[91]; Okefinokee
Swamp, 1[58].

=Mississippi.= _Clark County_: Souinlonie Creek, 1.

=South Carolina.= _Darlington County_: Society Hill, 1[91].
_Sumter County_: Mayesville, 1[11]. _Calhoun County_: St.
Matthews, 2[11]. _Georgetown County_: Sampit, 1[11]. Charleston
County: Rantowles, 1[11]; 8 mi. N Charleston, 1[11]. _Beaufort
County_: Yemassee, 1[2].

=Mustela frenata peninsulae= (Rhoads)

Long-tailed Weasel

Plates 16, 17 and 18

_Putorius peninsulae_ Rhoads, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia,
1894:152, June 19, 1894; Bangs, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington,
10:10, February 25, 1896.

_Mustela peninsulae_, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98,
December 31, 1912.

_Mustela p. peninsulae_, Bailey, Bailey Mus. and Library Nat.
Hist., 1(no. 5):1, December 1, 1930.

_Mustela frenata peninsulae_, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington
Publ. 473:105, September 20, 1936.

_Type._--Female, young, part skull and skin; no. 8515, Acad. Nat.
Sci. Philadelphia; Hudson's, Pasco County [14 miles north of
Tarpon Springs], Florida; before 1895; obtained by W. S.
Dickinson.

The skull has been cut vertically in two at the plane of the
glenoid fossae. These fossae and all the cranium posterior to them
are missing. In addition to the part of the cranium anterior to
the glenoid fossae, the lower jaws are preserved complete. The
teeth all are present and entire. The prominent sutures on the
rostrum and palate show the specimen to be young and its small
size leaves but little doubt that the animal was a female. The
light facial markings are more extensive than in any of the
referred specimens. In the type these light facial markings
consist of a median isolated spot immediately in front of the
ears, a larger one on the nose, with an interrupted bar on each
side extending posteroventrally in front of and anterior to the
eye, a wider bar, on each side, extending anterodorsally between
the ear and eye and finally an isolated spot at the anterior
border of each ear. The skin is stuffed and in fair condition
except that the vertebrae remain in the tail.

_Range._--Austral and probably Tropical life-zones of Florida
south of latitude 29°. See figure 29 on page 221.

_Characters for ready recognition._--Differs from _M. f.
olivacea_ in coarser pelage and larger tympanic bullae.

_Description._--_Size._--Male: No external measurements available.
Female: The type a young animal and no. 2379, an adult from Tarpon
Springs, measure respectively as follows: Total length, 375, 378;
length of tail, 100, 130; length of hind foot, 40, 44.5.

_Externals._--As described in _Mustela frenata noveboracensis_
except that hairiness of foot-soles as shown in figure 20.

_Color._--Upper parts (in winter) near tone 3 of Burnt Umber of
Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 304. Dark spot at each angle of mouth
present or absent. Tip of tail black. Underparts Reed Yellow
except on chin and usually on legs where white. Upper lips white
entirely around. Upper parts of uniform color. Color of underparts
extends distally on legs over both sides of feet and on front legs
over wrists. Proximal part of tail slightly lighter below than
above. Least width of color of underparts, in seven specimens,
averaging 41 (extremes 31-52) per cent of greatest width of color
of upper parts. Black tip of tail, in each of two females, 45 mm.
long; thus slightly longer than hind foot and amounting to 36 per
cent of length of tail-vertebrae.

The spot at the angle of the mouth is absent in four of the ten
specimens and is present on both sides in the other six.

_Skull and teeth._--Male (based on an adult from Apopka and the
anterior part of an adult from Enterprise): See measurements and
plates 16-18. As described in _Mustela frenata olivacea_ except
that: Weight, 7.0 grams; basilar length, 49.8.

Female (based on an adult from Tarpon Springs, Florida): See
measurements. As described in _Mustela frenata olivacea_ except
that: Weight, 4.7 grams; basilar length, 44.2; zygomatic breadth
more than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior
margin of tympanic bulla.

In comparison with _M. f. olivacea_, the insufficient material of _M. f. peninsulae_ suggests that its skull averages larger and has relatively as well as actually larger and more inflated tympanic bullae.

_Remarks._--The first published mention of this weasel seems to have been the original description which appeared in 1894. This description was based on a single specimen sent to Samuel N. Rhoads by W. S. Dickinson, who, in the following year, procured another specimen at Tarpon Springs. So far as known only eight other specimens, as listed under "_Specimens examined_," have found their way into collections of study specimens.

H. H. Bailey (1930:1) credits the range of this subspecies as extending south "to the shores of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, where ever high ground occurs."

Evidence of intergradation between _M. f. peninsulae_ and _M. f. olivacea_ is provided by specimens of _olivacea_ from Gainesville, Florida, and the Okefinokee Swamp, Georgia. These specimens, on the average, have the color of the underparts wider, the skull larger, and the tympanic bullae relatively larger than do specimens of _olivacea_ from farther north. In these features, approach to _M. f. peninsulae_ is shown.

Light facial markings occur in this subspecies. They are similar to those possessed by weasels which occur at the same latitude and under corresponding climatic conditions on the Pacific Coast. The type specimen and one from Tarpon Springs have white facial markings. Two of the three specimens from Apopka also show white facial markings, although in reduced amount. One of the four specimens of _M. f. olivacea_ from Gainesville, Florida, has well-developed light (white) facial markings. Also of the four specimens of _M. f. olivacea_ examined from Okefinokee Swamp, Georgia, one has prominent white facial markings. However, in it the pattern is so unusual as to suggest that it is an instance of partial albinism rather than an outcropping of a racial tendency, or a pattern of coloration induced by climatic factors.

None of the eight available skulls show any infestation of the frontal sinuses by parasites.

_Specimens examined._--Total number, 10, arranged by counties from
west to east.

=Florida.= _Pasco County_: Hudson's, 1[1]. _Pinellas County_:
Tarpon Springs, 1[1]. _Hernando County_, 1[91]. _Polk County_:
Auburndale, 1[91]; no locality more definite than county, 1[91].
_Orange County_: Apopka, 3[61]. _Volusia County_: Enterprise,
1[60]. _Seminole County_: Osceola, 1[2].

=Mustela frenata spadix= (Bangs)

Long-tailed Weasel

Plates 16, 17, 18, 31, 32 and 33

_Putorius longicauda spadix_ Bangs, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington,
10:8, February 25, 1896; Merriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:21, figs.
10, 11, June 30, 1896; Cory, Mamm. Illinois and Wisconsin, p.
374, 1912.

_Mustela longicauda spadix_, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98,
December 31, 1912; Bailey, Journ. Mamm., 10:156, May 9, 1929.

_Mustela longicauda_, Johnson, Journ. Mamm., 11:439, November 11,
1930.

_Mustela noveboracensis_, Murie, Journ. Mamm., 16:321, November 15,
1935.

_Mustela frenata spadix_, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ.
473:105, November 20, 1936.

_Type._--Male, young, skull and skin; no. 3265/1786, Amer. Mus.
Nat. Hist.; Fort Snelling, Hennepin County, Minnesota; June 25,
1889; obtained by Edgar A. Mearns; original no. 812.

The skull is complete although there are fractures on the top of
the braincase, on the right side of the braincase and at the
middle of the right zygomatic arch. The teeth all are present and
entire. The skin, although overstuffed, is complete, well
preserved, and in summer pelage.

_Range._--Upper Austral and Transition life-zones of Minnesota,
northern and western Iowa, southeastern North Dakota, eastern part
of South Dakota, and northeastern Nebraska. See figure 29 on page
221.

_Characters for ready recognition._--Differs from _M. f.
noveboracensis_ and _M. f. primulina_ in that specimens of all
ages have least width of color of underparts amounting to more
than 41 per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts, and
have light color of underparts extended onto hind foot rather than
stopped short of ankle; adults with hind feet more than 50 in
males and 40 in females; orbitonasal length more than 15.5 in
males and 13.5 in females; length of tooth-rows more than 18.0 in
males and 15.7 in females; mastoid breadth more than 25.5 in males
and 22.0 in females. From _M. f. longicauda_ by color darker than
near (_h_) Clay Color, in males by a flattened occiput in which
the depth of the skull, exclusive of the sagittal crest and taken
at the anterior border of the basioccipital, amounts to less than
58 per cent of the mastoid breadth.

_Description._--_Size._--Male: Three adults from Elk River,
Minnesota, yield average and extreme measurements as follows:
Total length, 458 (444-467); length of tail, 154 (140-165); length
of hind foot, 55 (52-59). Tail averages 51 per cent as long as
head and body. Length of hind foot averages more than basal
length. Corresponding measurements of three subadults from
Madison, Minnesota, are as follows: 453 (438-469); 157 (152-165);
50 (47-51). Tail averages 53 per cent as long as head and body.

Female: Three adults from Elk River, Minnesota, yield average and
extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 387 (380-391);
length of tail, 131 (121-138); length of hind foot, 44 (43-46).
Tail averages 51 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind
foot more or less than (approximately equal to) basal length.
Corresponding measurements of two adults and one subadult from
Madison, Minnesota, are as follows: 385 (379-396); 137 (119-159);
42 (38-44). Tail averages 55 per cent as long as head and body.

The average differences in external measurements of the two sexes
from Elk River, are: Total length, 71; length of tail, 23; length
of hind foot, 11. At Madison, corresponding differences are 68,
20, and 8. Two adult females from Elk River, Minnesota, weigh 205
and 210 grams.

_Externals._--Longest facial vibrissae black, brown, or white
(often all three colors in same specimen) and extending beyond
ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to
apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles (in summer
pelage) as shown in figure 19.

_Color._--Winter pelage all white except tip of tail. In southern
part of range sometimes assumes a brown winter coat. Summer pelage
with upper parts ranging from near (16´) Cinnamon Brown to Vandyke
Brown. Chin and upper lips white. Remainder of underparts ranging
from near (a) Olive Ocher to Ochraceous Buff and Pale Orange
Yellow. Tip of tail at all times black. Upper parts of uniform
color except for occasional slight darkening of nose. Color of
underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over
toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and ankles, on medial sides of
hind limbs to ankle, over antiplantar faces of toes and
distomedial fourth of each tarsus, and over proximal fifth to
third of under side of tail. Least width of color of underparts
averaging (in 3 specimens from Elk River) 54 (47-59) per cent of
greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail
averaging same length as hind foot and 28 per cent of length of
tail-vertebrae. Save for the greater width of the light-colored
underparts and relatively short black tip of the tail, both
features of _M. f. longicauda_, _spadix_ is variously
intermediate, depending on locality, as between _noveboracensis_
and _longicauda_.

_Skull and teeth._--Male (based on 3 adults from Elk River,
Minn.): See measurements and plates 16-18. As described in
_Mustela frenata longicauda_ except that: Weight, 5.6 (5.0-6.5);
basilar length, 49.0 (48.7-49.2); zygomatic breadth sometimes less
than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior
margin of tympanic bulla; postorbital breadth more or less (about
equal to) width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of
one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; interorbital
breadth more or less than distance between foramen opticum and
anterior margin of tympanic bulla; anterior margin of tympanic
bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 4 to 5 upper
incisors; height of tympanic bulla more or less than distance from
its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla
less than length of rostrum; anterior margin of masseteric fossa
below talonid of m1.

Female (based on 4 adults from Elk River, Minn.): See measurements
and plates 31-33. As described in _Mustela frenata longicauda_
except that: Weight, 3.5 (3.3-4.0) grams; basilar length, 42.9
(42.3-43.2); least width of palate more or less than greatest
length of P4; tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as
width of 3 to 5 upper incisors.

The skull of the female averages 33 per cent lighter than that of
the male.

Skulls of adult males of _spadix_ from Elk River, Minnesota, as compared with those of _longicauda_ from Alberta, are larger in every part measured. Relative to the basilar length these skulls of _spadix_ are broader across the mastoid region, narrower across the zygomata, deeper through the plane of the postorbital processes, shallower through the braincase and have relatively shorter tympanic bullae. Whereas the tympanic bullae of _longicauda_ are, on the average, approximately as long as the rostrum (orbitonasal length), in _spadix_ the rostrum is longer than the bulla. Viewed posteriorly, the braincase of _spadix_ is seen to be much shallower and wider than that of _longicauda_. Indeed, the depth of the braincase, measured at the anterior end of the basioccipital, amounts to only 56 per cent of the mastoid breadth in _spadix_ as against 61 per cent in _longicauda_. The longer, waistlike, postorbital constriction, relatively smaller braincase, and especially the relatively narrower zygomatic expanse in _spadix_ imparts to its skull a more slender appearance than has the skull of _longicauda_. These differences are not shown by the skulls of females. To be sure, _spadix_, in most of its cranial measurements, averages slightly larger, has a relatively shallower braincase and is relatively deeper through the postorbital processes, but these differences are so slight that inclusion of one more specimen, of slightly different proportions, in the average might cause the average measurements to read as they do in _longicauda_.

Compared with _noveboracensis_, from Massachusetts, adult skulls of _spadix_, taking sex into account, are larger in every part measured and are relatively as well as actually wider and deeper throughout. Also, in _spadix_: Sagittal and lambdoidal crests higher, especially in females; anterior margin of tympanic bulla projecting up sharply from squamosal; occiput more flattened in posterior view; tooth-rows relatively and actually longer but orbitonasal length relatively shorter; postorbital processes more robust; zygomatic arches widely bowed outward rather than evenly rounded; canines larger; squamosal less swollen ventrally, especially in females. Between _noveboracensis_ and _spadix_, the differential cranial characters are greater in number and degree between females than between males. Comparison of the skull with that of _M. f. primulina_ is made in discussion of that subspecies.

_Remarks._--Edgar A. Mearns in 1889 and the early nineties took several specimens of this weasel and it was principally on these that Bangs in 1896 (p. 8) based his description. The best material, however, is that from Elk River, Minnesota, collected in later years by Bernard Bailey, and supplemented by one specimen taken in 1885 by Vernon Bailey and another by his sister Anna Bailey in 1891 at the same place.

_Mustela frenata spadix_ has just one structural feature of a "unique" kind which serves to differentiate it from the geographically adjoining subspecies. This feature is large size. The other diagnostic characters ascribed to _spadix_ are of an intermediate sort--intermediate as between two extremes, one found to the westward in _longicauda_ and the other to the eastward in _noveboracensis_. For example, the dark-colored upper parts are merely darker than in _longicauda_ and merely lighter than in _noveboracensis_. The color is not "different"; it is only "intermediate." Furthermore, each of the characters ascribed to _spadix_, including large size itself, undergoes change from one part of its geographic range to another; the characters are not constant over a wide area. Indeed, excepting the large size which remains relatively uniform over the northern two-thirds of the range, no two localities have been found from which the specimens can be said really to agree in characters.