Accessions gA_ ^k Saelf ? W&~ ' ffV; ft. ,<>. HD.'-'Ori'.V.v.fi, S'Js** *Y O "*>' U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA :n"o. 7 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THK SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE [Actual date of publication, May 31, 1893] THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF PARTS OF CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, ARIZONA, AND UTAH :p.a.:rt ii 1. Report on Birds. By A. K. Fisheh, M. D. 2. Report on Reptiles and Batrachians. By Leonhard Stejxeger 3. Report on Fishes. By Charles H. Gilbert, Ph. D. 4. Report on Insects. By C. V. Riley, Ph. D. 5. Report on Mollusks. By R. E. C. Stearns, Ph. D. (5. Report on Desert Trees and Shrubs. By C. Hart Merriam, M. D. 7. Report on Desert Cactuses and Yuccas. By C. Hart Merriam. M. I). 8. List of Localities. By T. S. PALMER WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1S93 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA ISTo. 7' PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE [Actual date of publication, May 31, 1893] THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION K BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF PARTS OF CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, ARIZONA, AND UTAH :p_^:r/t ii 1. Report on Birds. By A. K. Fisher, M. D. 2. Report on Reptiles and Batrachians. By Leonhard Ste.jxe<;er 3. Report on Fishes. By Charles H. Gilbert. Ph. D 4. Report on Insects. By C. V. Riley, Ph. D. 5. Report on Mollusks. By R. E. ('. Stearns, Ph. D. (5. Report on Desert Trees and Shrubs. By C. Hart Mekeiam, M. D. 7. Report on Desert Cactuses and Yuccas. By C. Hart Meeelym, M. D. 8. List of Localities. Bv T. S. Palmer WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1893 I1, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, U. IS. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, December 28, 1892. Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript of North American Fauna, No. 7, consisting of Part n of the report on the results of the Death Valley Expedition, a biological survey of southern Cali- fornia, southern Nevada, and parts of Utah and Arizona, carried on by your authority in 1891. It consists of the special reports on birds, rep- tiles, batrachians, fishes, molluscs, insects, and the desert shrubs, cac- tuses, and yuccas, and is accompanied by a list of localities. Part I, comprising the general report (itinerary, description of the region, and discussion of life zones) and the report on mammals, is not yet ready for the ijress. Eespectfully, C. Hart Merriam, Chief of Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy. Hon. J. M. Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture. H CONTENTS. PAGE. Report on Birds. By A. K. Fisher, M. D 7-158 Report on Reptiles and Batrachians. By Leonbard Stejneger 159-228 Report on Fishes. By Charles H. Gilbert, Ph: D 229-234 Report on Insects. By C. V. Riley, Ph. D., S. W. Williston, P. R. Uhler, and Lawrence Brnner 235-268 Report on Mollusks. By R. E. C. Stearns, Ph. D 269-283 Report on Desert Trees and Shrnbs. By C. Hart Merriam, M. D 285-343 Report on Desert Cactuses and Yuccas. By C. Hart Merriam, M. D 345-359 List of Localities. By T. S. Palmer 361-384 ILLUSTRATIONS. Frontispiece: Mohave Desert, California, showing tree yuccas. Plate I. 1, Sceloporus clarlcii; 2, S. magister; 3, S. zoster omus; 4, S. orcuiti: 5, S. boulengeri; 6, S. floridanus. II. 1, Phrynosoma cornutum; 2, P. blainvillii; 3, P. goodei; 4, P. plat y rhinos. III. 1, Xantusiavigilis; 2, SalvadorahexaJepis; 3, Bufo halophilus; 4, B. boreas nelsoni, subsp. nov. ; 5, Rana fisheri. sp. nov. IV. Sauromalutt ater. V. Empetrichthys merriami gen. et. sp. nov. VI. 1, Rhinichthys nevadensis sp. nov.; 2, B. velifer sp. nov. VII. Opuntia acanthocarpa. VIII. Opuntia acanthocarpa. IX. Opuntia tvhipplei. X. Opuntia parryi. XI. Opuntia rutila. XII. Yucca baccata. XIII. Yucca arborescens. XIV. Yucca macrocarpa. FIGURES IN TEXT. Fig. 1. Amnicola micrococcus, page 277. 2. Fluminicola merriami, page 282. . MAPS. Map 1. General route map of the expedition. 2. Lower division of the Lower Sonoran zone. 3. Distribution of LeConte's thrasher (Harporhynchus lecontei). 4. Distribution of the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). 5. Distribution of the tree yucca (Yucca arborescens). No. 7. NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. May, 1893. REPORT ON THE ORNITHOLOGY OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION OF 1891, COMPRISING NOTES ON THE BIRDS OBSERVED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, AND PARTS OF ARIZONA AND UTAH. By A. K. Fisher, M. D. The present report includes an enumeration of all the birds observed throughout the region traversed by the different members of the expe- dition. It was considered advisable to unite all the observations in one general report rather than attempt to treat of the avifauna of special localities in a number of separate papers. At the same time a few local lists may be found under particular areas in Part I. A number of side trips were made to special localities by small parties, which not only materially increased the observations on the birds already met with, but also added a number of species to the list. Among these trips may be mentioned one made by Dr. Merriam and Mr. Bailey, who extended their observations as far east as St. George, Utah. They were thereby enabled to add valuable notes on several of the birds of the Great Basin not seen elsewhere. After the main party had dis- banded in the fall, a trip was made by Mr. Nelson along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, and one to Monterey by Mr. Bailey, which resulted in partially filling up a wide gap among the water birds. Owing to the unusual interest shown in matters relating to Death Valley, and to the entire absence of reliable information concerning the species inhabiting this area, it seemed best to append a special list of the birds observed there, with brief annotations. This list is believed to be reasonably complete, since the valley was visited by one or more members of the expedition every month except May, from January to June inclusive. A list of the species found in Owens Valley is added for comparison. (See pp. 150-158.) The known ranges of a number of species were much extended by the expedition, notably in the cases of Oreortyx pictus plumiferus, Dryobates scalaris bairdi, Chordeiles texensis, Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus, Calypte costce, Icterus parisorum, Leucosticte tephrocotis, Junco hyemalis thurberi, Spizella atrigularis, Peuccea cassini, Harporliynchus leeontei, and a few others ; and the distribution of many better- known species was more definitely determined. 8 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. The known range of tlie plumed quail (Oreortyx pietitf, plumiferus) was carried eastward from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to Mount Magruder, Nevada, and to all the desert ranges of southern California west of Death Valley. This valley apparently limits the distribution of this bird on the east, as the species was nowhere seen in the Grapevine or Charleston mountains, although both ranges are well timbered and bear brush which might afford suitable food and shelter. Baird's woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris bairdi) was quite common among the tree yuccas on the Mohave Desert at Hesperia, and its range was extended northward to Vegas Valley, Nevada, and the valley of the Santa Clara, in southwestern Utah, by Dr. Merriam. The vermilion flycatcher also was secured in the same valley, though previously un- known north of Fort Mohave, Ariz. The Texas nighthawk (Ghordeiles texensis) was found to be a common summer resident in all the valleys east of the Sierra Nevada from Owens Valley, California, to St. George, Utah, where Dr. Merriam secured the eggs. It was taken also in the San Joaquin Valley, California, near Bakersfield. Scott's oriole {Icterus parisorum) is another species whose range was carried northward from a short distance above our southern border in California to about lati- tude 38°, where it was common in places among the tree yuccas, and also on the slopes of some of the desert ranges as high as the junipers and piiions. Along the northern line of distribution it was found in Nevada at the Queen mine in the White Mountains, at Mount Magru- der, and in the Juniper Mountains, and in Utah in the Beaverdam Moun- tains. Costa's humming bird (Calypte costce) was very common wher- ever water occurred throughout the desert region, ranging northward nearly to latitude 38°, and eastward to the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah. Its nest was frequently found in the low bushes and cactuses on the hillsides near springs and streams. The discovery that the gray-crowned finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) breeds in the southern Sierra and in the White Mountains is especially interesting both because its breeding range was previously unknown, and because no species of the genus had been recorded from the Sierra Nevada south of about latitude 40°, while the present species was com- mon nearly to the 36th parallel. Most satisfactory results were accomplished in working out the dis- tribution of Thurber's junco (Junco hyemalis thurberi), a recently de- scribed race whose range was not definitely known. In the Sierra Nevada it was common from the Yosemite Valley, the most northern point visited by any member of the expedition, to the southern end of the range, and in the desert ranges eastward to the Grapevine and Charleston mountains, where its place was occupied, in winter at least, by its more eastern representative, Shufeldt's junco. The little black- chinned sparrow (Spizclla atrigularis) was found to be not an uncom- mon summer resident on the slopes of several of the desert ranges and also on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada as far north as Independ- MAYJ893] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 9 ence Creek in Kearsarge Pass. This was a great surprise, as hereto- fore the species has been recorded within our limits only along the southern border, and its presence was not suspected until a specimen was taken iu the Panamint Mountains in April. LeConte's thrasher (Harporkynchus lecontei), contrary to our expecta- tions, was a common resident throughout the principal desert valleys from Owens Valley at the east foot of the Sierra Nevada across south- ern California and Nevada to southwestern Utah, where it was found nearly to the summit of the Beaverdam Mountains. Northward it was observed in Owens Valley almost to Benton, a short distance south of the 38th parallel. It was also taken by Mr. Nelson in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, California, about Bueua Vista Lake. The bird life of a region is materially affected by various agencies, such as changes in the character of the country brought about by the destruction of forests, the drying up of springs and water courses, and other causes. But in the High Sierra the sheep industry is doing more than anything else to make that region uninhabitable for certain species of birds and also for other forms of life, as long since pointed out by Mr. Henshaw (Appendix JJ, Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1876, p. 225). During the summer the sheep almost totally destroy all the smaller plants and shrubs which, except in the wet meadows, do not grow again until the following spring. The writer has walked for miles along the hillsides where these animals had recently grazed without seeing a plant of any description save the larger woody shrubs. That the destruction of vegetation by sheep in this region is a potent cause of the scarcity of ground-inhabiting birds is evident by contrast to anyone visiting the national parks where no sheep are allowed to graze and where the vegetation is consequently uninjured and many species of birds abundant. One member of the expedition, Mr. Vernon Bailey, traversed the Virgin Valley in southwestern Utah and eastern Nevada and the Detrital and Sacramento valleys, Arizona, during the winter of 18SS-'89. His notes on several of the birds observed are incorporated in the present report. With few exceptions it was thought better not to include matter from published reports partially cohering the same region, since most of this material has been republished already in Mr. Belding's Land Birds of the Pacific Coast District. In the following report 290 species and subspecies of birds are dwelt upon at greater or less length. The nomenclature adopted is that of the American Ornithologists' Union. The writer wishes to extend his sincere thanks to all members of the expedition who assisted in collecting specimeus or information for the present report. He wishes also to acknowledge the kindness of Mr. L. Belding, who furnished data on certain birds observed by him during a short trip to the Yoseniite National Park in June, 1891. In all important instances credit is given to the observer under the head of each species. 10 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Without this substantial help, so freely given, little more than a frag- mentary report would have been possible. LIST OF BIRDS. 1. JEchmophorus occidentalis. 51. 2. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. 52. 3. Podilymbus podiceps. 53. 4. Urinator imber. 54. 5. Urinator pacifcus. 55. 6. Urinator lumme. 56. 7. Uria troile californica. 57. 8. Larus glaucescens. 58. 9. Larus califomieus. 59. 10. Larus delawarensis. 60. 11. Larus heermanni. 61. 12. Larus Philadelphia. 62. 13. Sterna maxima. 63. 14. Phalacrocorax dilophus albocUiaius. 64. 15. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. 65. 16. Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens. 66. 17. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. 67. 18. Pelecanus californicus. 68. 19. Merganser americanus. 69. 20. Merganser serrator. 70. 21. Jwfls boschas. 71. 22. ^in«s strepera. 72. 23. ^?ms americana. 73. 24. ^»«8 carolinensis. 74. 25. Jmas discors. 75. 26. J««s cyanoptera. 76. 27. Spatula clypeata. 77. 28. Dafila acuta. 78. 29. Aythya americana. 79. 30. Aythya vallisneria. 80. 31. Aythya collaris. 81. 32. Glaucionetta clangula americana. 82. 33. Charitonetta albeola. 83. 34. Hi8trionicu8 histrionicus. 84. 35. Oidemia americana. 85. 36. Oidemia perspicilla ta. 86. 37. Erismatura rubida. 87. 38. C7i.en hyperborea. 88. 39. Anser albifrons gambeli. 89. 40. Branta canadensis hutchinsii. 90. 41. Branta canadensis occidentalis. 91. 42. Dendrocygna fnlva. 92. 43. Plegadis guarauna. 93. 44. Botauru8 lentiginosus. 94. 45. Ardea hwodias. 95. 46. Ardea cgretta. 96. 47. Ardea virescens. 97. 48. Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius. 98. 49. Gr«s canadensis. 99. 50. Ballus virginianus. 100. Porzana Carolina. Fulica americana. Phalaropus tricolor. Becurvirostra americana. Himantopus mexicanus. Gallinago delicata. Tringa minutilla. Ereunetes occidentalis. Calidris arenaria. Limosa fedoa. Totanus melanoleucus. Symphemia semipalmata inornata. Heteractitis incan us. Aeiitis macularia. Numenius longirosfris. Numenius hudsonicus. Charadrius squatarola. Aigialitis vocifera. JEgialitis nivosa. JEgialitis montana. Oreortyx piclus plumiferus. Callipepla californica. Callipepla californica vallicola. Callipepla gambeli. Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. Cen trocercus urophasia n us. Columba fasciata. Zenaidura macroura. Pseudogryphus californianus. Cathartes aura. Elanus leucurus. Circus hudsonius. Accipiter velox. Accipiter cooperi. Accipiter atricapillus siriatulus. Buteo borealis calurus. Buteo lineatus elcgans. Buteo swainsoni. Archibuteo ferrugineus. Aquila chrysabtos. Haliatctus leucocephalus. Falco mexicanus. Ealco peregrinus anaium. Falco columbarius. Falco sparrerius descrlicolns. Pandion haliaclus carolinensis. Strix pratincola. Asio wilsonianus. Asio accipitrinus. Syrnium occidentale. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 11 LIST OF BIRDS— Continued. 101. Megascops asio bendirei. 155. 102. Bubo rirginianus subarcticus. 156. 103. Speotyto cunicularia hypogwa. 157. 104. Geoeoccyx California)) us. 158. 105. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. 159. 106. Ceryle alcyon. 160. 107. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus. 161. 108. Dryobates pubescens gairdnoii. 162. 109. Dryobates scalaris bairdi. 163. 110. Dryobates nuttallii. 164. 111. Xenopicus albolarratus. 165. 112. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis. 166. 113. Sphyrapicus ruber. . 167. 114. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. 168. 115. Ceophleeus pileatus. 169. 116. Melanerpes formicirorous bairdi. 170. 117. Melanerpes torquatus. 171. 118. Melanerpes uropygialis. 172. 119. Colaptes cafer. 173. 120. Phalainoptilus nuttalli. 174. 121. Phalcenoptilus nuttalli calif ornicus. 175. 122. Chordeiles rirginianus henryi. 176. 123. Chordeiles texensis. 177. 124. Cypseloides niger. 178. 125. Chaztura vauxi. 179. 126. Aeronantes melanoleucus. 180. 127. Troehilus alexandri. 181. 128. Calypte costw. 182. 129. Calypteanna. 183. 130. Selasphorm platycercus. 184. 131. Selasphorus rvfus. 185. 132. Stellula calliope. 186. 133. Tyrannus tyravnus. 187. 134. Tyrannus vertiealis. 188. 135. Tyrannus vociferous. 189. 136. Myiarchus cinerascens. 190. 137. Sayornis saya. 191. 138. Sayornis nigricans. 192. 139. Contopus borealis. 193. 140. Contopus ricliardsonii. 194. 141. Empidonax difficilis. 195. 142. Empidonax pu sill us. 196. 143. Empidonax liammondi. 197. 144. Empidonax wrightii. 198. 145. Pyrocephalus rnbineus mexicavus. 199. 146. Otocoris alpesfris arcnicola. 200. 147. Otocoris alpestris chrysolcema. 201. 148. Pica pica hudsonica. 202. 149. Pica nuttalli. 203. 150. Cyanocitta stellcri. 204. 151. Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. 205. 152. Apbelocoma woodhousci. 206. 153. Aphelocoma californica. 207. 154. Corvus corax sinuatus. 208. Corvus americanus. Picicorvus cohunbianus. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. Molothrus ater. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. Agelaius phceniceus. Agelaius gubernatov. Sturnella magna neglecta. Icterns parisorum. Icterus bullocki. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Coccothraustes vespertin us. Pinicola enucleator. Carpodacus purpureus calif ornicus. Carpodacus cassini. Carpodacus mexican us fron ta lis. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi. Leucosticte tephrocotis. Leucosticte atrata. Spin us tristis. Spin us psaltria. Spin us j)saltria arizonis. Spin us laivrencei. Spinus pinus. Poocaztcs gramineus confinis. Ammodramus sand'.cichensis al uadinus. Ammodramus sandwichensis bryanti. Chondestes grammacus strigatus. Zonotrichia leucophrys. Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli. Zonotrichia coronata. Zonotrichia albicollis. Spizella monticola ochracea. Spizella socialis arizonos. Spizella breweri. Spizella atrigularis. Junco hyemalis. Junco hyemalis shufeldti. Junco hyeinalis thurberi. Junco pinosus. Amphispiza bilineata. Amphispiza belli. Amphispiza belli nevadensis. Peucwa cassini. Peuca>,a ruficeps. Melospiza fasciata fallax. Melospiza fasciata m on ta n a. Melospiza fasciata heerm anni. Melospiza fasciata guttata. Melospiza fasciata rufina. Melospiza fasciata gram inea. Melospiza lincolni. Passtrella iliaca unalaschcensia. 12 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Xo. 7. LIST OF BIRDS— Continued. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229. 230. 231. 232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. 241. 242. 243. 244. 245. 246. 247. 248. 249. Passerella iliaca megarhyncha. Passerella iliaca schistacea. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx. Pipilo maculatus oregonus. Pipilo chlorurus. Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. Pipilo fuscus crissalis. Pipilo aberti. Habia melanocephala. Guiraca cwrulea eurhynclia. Passerina amcena. Calamospiza melanocorys. Piranga ludoviciana. Piranga hepatica. Progne suMs hesperia. Petroclielidon lunifrons. Chelidon erythrogaster. Tachycineta bicolor. Tachycineta thalassina. Clivicola riparia. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Ampelis cedrorum. Phainopepla nitens. Lanins ludoricianus excubitorides. Vireo gilvus swainsoni. Vireo solitarius cassinii. Yireo solitarius plumbeus. Vireo bellii pusillus. vicinior. Helminthophila lucice. Helminth ophila ruficapilla gutturalit Helminthophila celata luiescens. Dendroica cestiva. Dendroica anduboni. Dendroica nigrescens. Dendroica townsendi. Dendroica occidentalis. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis. GeothJypis macgillivrayi. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. Icteria virens longicauda. 250. Sylvania pusilla pileolata. 251. Anthus pennsylvanicus. 252. Cinclus mexicanus. 253. Oroscoptes montanus. 254. Mimus polyglottos. 255. Harporhynchus redivivus. 256. Harporhynchus lecontei. 257. Harporhynchus crissalis. 258. Heleodytes brunneicapillus. 259. Salpinctes obsoletus. 260. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus. 261. Thryothorus btwicMi spilurus. 262. Thryothorus beivickii bairdi. 263. Troglodytes action aztecus. 264. Cistothorus 2)alustris paludicola. 265. Certhia familiaris occidentalis. 266. Sitta carolinensis aculeata. 267. Sitta canadensis. 268. Sitta pygmaa. 269. Parus inornatus. 270. Parus inornatus griseua. 271. Parus gambeli. 272. Parus rufescens neglectus. 273. C hama'a fasciata henshawi. tfli. Psaltriparus minimus calif or nicus. 2Ho. Psaltriparus plumbeus. 276. Auriparus fiaviceps. 277. Begulus satrapa olivaceus. * 278. Begulus calendula. 279. Polioptila cwrulea obscura. 280. Polioptila plumbea. 281. Polioptila californica. 282. Myadestes townsendii. 283. Turdus ustulatus. 284. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii. 285. Turdus aonalaschlcr. 286. Turdus aonalaschlcw anduboni. 287. Merula migratoria propinqua. 288. Hesperocichla nwvia. 289. Sialia mexicana. 290. Sialia arctica. .ffichmophorus occidentalis. Western Grebe. The western grebe was seen only in the San Joaquin Valley, where Mr. Nelson observed a few at Bnena Vista Lake, in October. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. Eared Grebe. The eared grebe was found in most of the larger ponds or lakes throughout the region visited by the expedition. At Owens Lake, Calif., large flocks were seen as late as the middle of June. Hundreds of dead ones were observed along the shore, where they were drifted by the wind. The writer counted the bodies found within the limits of a given distance, and estimated the total for the entire lake shore Mat,1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 13 as 35,000. Ooe of two causes, or both combined, must account for the death of so many. Either the water, which is saturated with salt and soda, is in some way injurious to them, or remaining to search for proper food, which does not exist in the lake, they become so weak from innutrition as to be unable to fly and die of starvation. The mortality observed is not unusual, but seems to be of regular oc- currence. Mr. Nelson, while camped at Keeler, in December, 1890, re- ported large numbers of dead grebes along the shore, and further stated that a light wind, blowing in shore, brought in half a dozen or more recently dead and excessively emaciated birds. A specimen was secured on the reservoir at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, by Mr. Bailey April 11, and another on Pahranagat Lake, where many others were seen, May 24. Mr. Nelson saw a single individual in a glacier lake at the head of San Joaquin River, which was more likely the horned grebe; Mr. Stephens found several at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11; and Mr. Palmer observed eight or ten pairs, in full breed- ing plumage, on Elizabeth Lake July 2, and several on Crane Lake, near Gorman Station, Calif., June 28. Mr. Nelson saw the species at Buena Vista Lake, in the San Joaquin Valley, in October, and found it com- mon along the coast south of San Simeon in November. The horned grebe (Colymbiis auritus) may have been associated with the present species in some localities, but it was not identified. Eecord of specimens collected of Colymuus nigricollis califomicus. Collect-] q or's No. &ex' Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. i J ! « Apr. 11, 1891 June 2, 1891 V. Bailey T. S. Palmer Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. A few dabchicks were seen by Mr. Nelson along the coast between San Simeon and Carpenteria, in November. Urinator sp. ? Mr. Nelson reported loons as common along the coast south of San Simeon in November. No adults were observed, all the birds being in immature plumage and remarkably unsuspicious. It is probable tiiat the above note includes two and possibly three species, namely, the Pacific, red-throated, and common loons. Uria troilecalifornica. California Murre. The California murre was found by Mr. Bailey to be common along the shore at Monterey, Calif., where a female was secured October 5. Larus glaucescens. Glaucous -winged Gull. Mr. Nelson found this species common along the coast of California south of San Simeon in November. Larus californicus. California Gull. Mr. Nelson saw three gulls of this species flying up Owens River, California, o|)posite Lone Pine, in December, 1800. Along the shores 14 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. of Owens Lake from one to half a dozen were seen almost every day through December. A specimen shot on December 28 had its craw full of duck meat and feathers, and from the actions of its associates when a duck was shot it was evident that they prey upon such game, since the lake affords little other food. The same observer saw a number of gulls of this species at Buena Vista Lake, in the San Joaquin Valley, in October, and found it com- mon along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18, 1891. Larus delawarensis. Ring-billed Gull. Mr. Nelson observed the ring-billed gull a few times at Owens Lake, and secured two specimens at a pond abounding in small fish near Lone Pine, in December, 1890. He found it rather common along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18, 1891. Larus heermanui. Heermann's Gull. Common along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18, 1891. Larus Philadelphia. Bonaparte's Gull. Mr. Nelson saw one immature bird on a small lake near Lone Pine the last of December, 1890, and found a few along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18, 1891. Sterna maxima. Royal Tern. A large tern, which Mr. Nelson reported as this species, was very common about the bays and inlets along the coast south of San Simeon. Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatus. Farallone Cormorant. Mr. Nelson reported this cormorant as common along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. Brandt's Cormorant. Common in the same place. Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens. Baird's Cormorant. Noted by Mr. Nelson at Santa Barbara. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. White Pelican. Mr. Stephens saw a flock of white pelicans sailing high in the air, midway between Haway Meadows and Olancha, at the southern end of Owens Lake, May 15. Mr. Palmer found the wings and shoulder gir- dle of one of these birds at Crane Lake, near Old Forfc Tejon, July 2, and saw an individual on a small lake at Lone Pine, August 23. Mr. Nelson saw the species at Buena Vista Lake, in the San Joa- quin Valley, in October, and observed a large flock on Morro Bay in November. Pelecanus californicus. California Brown Pelican. Brown pelicans were common about San Francisco Bay and outside of the Golden Gate during the latter part of September. Mr. Bailey found them numerous at Monterey, September 28 to October 9, and Mr. Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 15 Nelson found them abundant all along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18. Merganser americanus. Merganser. A flock of a dozen or more sheldrakes was seen at Soda Springs (locally known as Kern liiver Lakes), in the Sierra Nevada the first week in September, and a specimen shot there by Mr. Bailey August 15, belongs to this species. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. A few red-breasted mergansers, according to Mr. Nelson, were liv- ing hi the lakes near Lone Pine in December, 1890, and the remains of one were found on the shore of Owens Lake in June. Dr. Merriam shot an adult male in a small pond in Vegas Wash, Nevada, May 2, saw a pair at the Bend of the Colorado, May 3, and noted three females at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, Arizona, May 9 and 10. Anas boschas. Mallard. The first mallard seen was a fine adult male, which was secured as it arose from one of the irrigating ditches in the alfalfa field at Furnace Creek, in Death Y alley, January 23. Mr. Nelson noted several small flocks at Saratoga Springs, at the south end of the valley, early in Feb- ruary, and a few in Yegas Wash, Nevada, March 3-6. At Ash Mead- ows, Nevada, this duck was not uncommon, and a number were secured for the mess during the first three weeks in March. Dr. Merriam saw a pair of mallards and several single birds in Pahranagat Yalley, Ne- vada, May 22-26, and Mr. Stephens noted a few in Oasis Yalley, Nevada, March 15-19. In Owens Valley, California, Mr. Nelson found it spar- ingly about the lakes at Lone Pine in December, 1890; Mr. Stephens saw males and females at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11, and was con- fident that it bred in the meadows about Olancha, at the foot of Owens Lake, May 16-23. Dr. Merriam shot two and saw others in a small tule pond in Kern Valley, California, June 22, and the writer saw sev- eral at the same place July 13. At Walker Basin, California, several females were seen with their broods of young. A specimen of the lat- ter in the down, secured July 13, had its stomach distended with grass- hoppers, which insects were abundant every where in the neighborhood of the sloughs. At Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, a flock of nearly full- grown birds was flushed from one of the old water ditches on July 19. At a small pond near Trout Meadows, in the Sierra Nevada, Mr. Bailey saw a fiock of ten individuals about the middle of August, and on Sep- tember 7 he and the writer saw a flock containing six birds at the same place. Mr. Nelson saw the species at Buena Vista Lake in Octo- ber, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria, in November aud December. Anas strepera. Gadwall. The gadwall did not begin to arrive at Ash Meadows, Nevada, until about March 8, from which time until March 21, when the party left 16 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No.7. the vicinity, it increased gradually in numbers and furnished, together with many of the other ducks, an agreeable change in the fare. Mr. Nelson found the species in small numbers in the bays and creeks be- tween San Simeon and Carpenteria, Calif., in November and Decem- ber. Anas americ ana. Baldpate; Widgeon. The spring flight of widgeons began at Ash Meadows, Nevada, about March 8, where they soon became common in the small ponds and sloughs. This was the only locality where the species was at all com- mon. Mr. Nelson reported two or three seen and one killed at Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California, early in February; a single bird killed in Pahrump Valley, Nevada, the middle of the same month, and one seen in Vegas Wash, Nevada, about the middle of March. Dr. Merriam mentioned one shot at Furnace Greek in Death Valley, April 8. Mr. Nelson noted a few widgeons in the bays and creeks between San Simeon and Carpenteria, Calif., in November and December. Anas carolinensis. Green-winged Teal. Small flocks of green- winged teal were seen at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, January 23 to February 4. They were found either at the reser- voir or in the irrigating ditches which flow through the alfalfa field. At Ash Meadows, Nevada, the species was very common, occurring in flocks which varied in size from a few individuals to several hundred birds. Mr. Nelson found it common at Saratoga Springs, in the southern end of Death Valley, early in February, at Pahrump Ranch, Nevada, February 12-28; and saw small flocks about the large springs in Pah- rump and Vegas valleys, March 3-16. At Hot Springs, Panamint Valley, the writer saw awing of this spe- cies April 20, and Mr. Nelson saw a specimen at the same place m January. The latter observer found it common at Buena Vista Lake in the San Joaquin Valley, California, in October, and between San Simeon and Carpenteria in November and December. Anas discors. Blue-winged Teal. The blue-winged teal was met with in two localities only. Mr. Steph- ens recorded seeing a small flock at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11; and the writer shot an individual out of a mixed flock of cinnamon and green- winged teal at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 20. Anas cyanoptera. Cinnamon Teal. The cinnamon teal is a common species in suitable localities through- out the desert regions of the southern part of the Great Basin. It was first observed at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 18, at which date a few were found in mixed flocks, and a little later considerable numbers came in, both in flocks by themselves and associated with other ducks. Mr. Nelson observed a female near Jackass Spring, in Cottonwood May, 1893] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 17 Canon, Panamint Range, June 1. Mr. Stephens saw several about the ponds at Grapevine Spring, California, April 1-1, and one was secured at Hot Spring, Panamint Valley, April 17. On the last trip to Death Valley Mr. Bailey secured a female in the reservoir at Furnace Creek, June 19. It was undoubtedly a pensioner, as its ovaries were unde- veloped. Daring the spring- and early summer Dr. Merriam found this duck breeding at numerous warm springs and alkali ponds throughout the districts visited in the Lower Sonoran zone in southern Nevada and southwestern Utah, and at Little Owens Lake, California. A female was killed in a patch of fine watercress in Upper Cottonwood Spring at the east base of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, April 30; a flock of twenty-two was seen at Vegas Spring, Nevada, May 1, and many were noted in Vegas Wash, May 2. It was seen also in the lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15, and was common throughout Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 22-26, where it was breeding in the marshes. Record of specimens collected of Anas cijanoptcra. Collect- or's No. Sex. Locality. i Date. Collector. Remarks. 134 cf ad A<»Vi Meadows, Nevada Mar. 20, 1891 \.K. Fisher June 19, 1891 i V. Bailey | Furnace Creek. 1 I Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. At Lone Pine and Owens Lake, California, Mr. Nelson reported the shoveller as a common species, and at the latter place found it feeding extensively on the larva? and pupa? of a small fly (Uphydra Mans) which abounds in the lake. The remains of a large number of these birds were seen about the lake in June. A flock of four was seen on the reservoir at Furnace Creek, in Death Valley, the latter part of January, aud the species was common at Ash Meadows, Nevada, where a number were killed early in March. Mr. Palmer found a pair breeding in a pond near Gorman Station, the last of June. Dafila acuta. Pintail. The sprigfail was common at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first two weeks in March, and many were killed for the mess. Mr. Nelson reported a number seen and some killed at Saratoga Springs, at the south end of Death Valley, February 1, and several seen in Vegas Wash, Nevada, March 3-10. Aythya americana. Kedhead. The redhead was common at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first half of March, and together with the mallard, pintail, widgeon, aud gad- wall furnished considerable food for the party. Mr. Nelson saw one in Vegas Valley, Nevada, in March, and Mr. Stephens another at Little Owens Lake, California, early in May. 12731— No. 7 2 18 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Aythya vallisneria. Canvashack. Ash Meadows, Nevada, was the only place where canvasback ducks were met with; a few were killed there early in March. Aythya collaris. Ring-necked Duck. The ring-necked duck was found only at Ash Meadows, Nevada, in March, where several in fine adult plumage were shot. Glaucionetta clangula americana. Golden-eye. Mr. Nelson saw a few whistlers on the lakes at Lone Pine in Decem- ber, 1890, the only individuals of this species seen. Charitonetta albeola. Bufflehead. Mr. Nelson reported a fewbuffle headed ducks about the ponds atLone Pine, California, in December, 1890. Histrionicus histrionicus. Harlequin Duck. None of our party saw this species. Mr. Belding, who has been so fortunate as to see a few each year, saw a pair in May, near Crocker*, which is about 20 miles northwest of the Yosemite Valley. Oidemia americana. Scoter. Mr. Nelson found this scoter not very common at Morro Bav, Cali- fornia, in November. Oidemia pei spicillata. Surf Scoter. The surf scoter was very common at Morro Bay, California, where Mr. Nelson found mainly immature birds. Erismatura rubida. Ruddy Duck. The ruddy duck was first met with at Ash Meadows, Nevada, where a few were killed about the middle of March. Three were seen and secured in the reservoir at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, March 22. Mr. Stephens saw it about the ponds at the ranch at Grapevine Spring, California. April 1-4; and Dr. Merriam observed it in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 22-26. IS ear the western border of the Mohave Desert in California Mr. Palmer found several in bright plumage on Elizabeth Lake, July 2; one on a pond near Gorman Station on the same day; and several on Castac Lake, July 10. It was probably breeding at all three of these places. Chen hyperborea. Lesser Snow Goose. A flock of snow geese was seen by Mr. Nelson about Morro Bay in November, 1891. Mr. Bailey found this species common in flocks in Virgin Valley, where it was first observed near Bunkerville, Nev., Jan- uary 23, 1889. They frequented the shores of Virgin Bi ver, where they fed on the bleached stems and tender roots of a small club-rush. The gullets of two individuals secured contained nothing except the re- mains of this plant. Anser albifrons gambeli. White-fronted Goose. A white-fronted goose remained several days in company with four Canada geese during the latter part of March in the alfalfa field at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California., Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 10 Branta canadensis hutchinsii. Hutchin's Goose. Very few geese were heard or seen during the time the expedition was in the field. Mr. Nelson reported hearing a flock which passed over the camp at Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, late one evening in Decem- ber, 1890, and another on the east slope of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, March 3-16, 1891. At Furnace Greek ranch, Death Valley, four Canada geese and one white-fronted goose remained in the alfalfa field for several days during the latter part of March. Tbe above records may apply to the white-cheeked goose (Branta c. occidentalis). Mr. Nelson saw a few Hutchin's geese at Buena Vista Lake, in the San Joaquin Valley, California, in October, and shot a pair near San Simeon. Others were seen at different points along the coast, although nowhere common. Dendrocygna fulva. Fulvous Tree Duck. Owens Valley, California, was the only locality where this species was observed. Mr. Stephens found it quite common and unsuspicious at Little Owens Lake, where he secured a pair, May 8. He also saw a flock of a dozen or more at Ash Creek, near the southern end of Owens Lake, June 1. Record of specimens collected of Dendrocygna fulva. Collec- tor's No. Sox. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. Little Owens Lake, California do May 8, 1891 ...do F. Stephens do Plegadis guarauna. White-faced Glossy Ibis. Mr. Stephens saw a small flock of the glossy ibis at Little Owens Lake, May 0-11, and observed one at a springy place at Haway Meadows May 12-14. At Furnace Creek, Death Valley, the wings and tail of a specimen which had been killed near a ditch in the alfalfa field were seen at the ranch. Botaurus lentiginosus. Bittern. The bittern was not uncommon at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first three weeks in March, where it was seen in the marshes along the irrigating ditches or by the larger springs, in which places small fish were abundant. Dr. Merriam saw several in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 22-20, where it undoubtedly bred. In Owens Valley Mr. Stephens found it at Alvord June 20-28; at Bishop, June 30, and Mr. Nelson shot one near Lone Pine in December, 1890. The latter observer saw the species at the head of Morro Bay, California, and at a small lake near San Luis Obispo in November of the following year. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Herou. Ill California, great blue herons were not uncommon at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, where they were seen flying back and forth from the river to their resting grounds, July 17-20. At the following 20 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. places single individuals were seen : At a small lake near Lone Pine, December, 1890; at Tejou ranch, near the mouth of the Pass, July 13; at Little Owens Lake, June 20; at Kernville, July 12, and at Soda Springs, September 7. Mr. Nelson found the species common in the San Joaquin Valley wherever the streams or lakes furnish it proper surroundings. He reported it common on the coast between San Simeon and Carpenteria, and saw a few near San Luis Obispo and be- tween Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and December. Ardea egretta. Egret. A white egret was seen by Dr. Merriam at a little pool of muddy water between the south end of Panamint Valley and Lone Willow Spring, California, April 24; and another at the Great Bend of the Colorado, May 4. The latter was on the Arizona or east side of the river, opposite the mouth of Vegas Wash. Mr. Nelson saw several about Morro Bay, California, in November. Ardea virescens. Green Heron. The green heron was not uncommon along the river, sloughs, and old ditches near Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, California, July 17-20; one was seen at Elk Bayou, near Tulare, in the same valley, July 22; and Mr. Stephens saw one at Little Owens Lake, California, May 6-11. Nycticorax nycticorax neevius. Black-crowned Night Heron. As a matter of course, night herons were rare in a region where streams and lakes containing fish were almost absent. Dr. Merriam saw an adult April 7, resting on a rock near the road in Windy Gap, between Panamint and Death valleys. Several were seen by him on a small alkaline pond at the west end of the Mohave Desert (Antelope Valley), June 28, and one in northwestern Arizona (where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin), May 9. Mr. Stephens saw several at Little Owens Lake May 6-11, and Mr. Palmer saw one at Crane Lake, at the west end of the Mohave Desert, June 28, and again July 2. Mr. Bailey shot an immature specimen near the reservoir at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, June 19. Its stomach contained two carp about 5 inches long. At Keeler, in Owens Valley," one was observed near a small fresh-water pond not far from the lake, June 26. At Walker Basin several were seen flying over toward their feeding grounds, and one was observed at the edge of a slough July 13-16. At Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, the species was common July 17-20, and at Morro Bay, on the coast, in November. Grus canadensis. Little Brown Crane. A little brown crane was seen for several days around the fields and marshes at Ash Meadows, Nevada, and finally was secured March 10. It was a female, and proved to be very good eating. The stomach con- tained small bulbous rootlets, foliage of young plauts, and a quantity May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 21 of barley, which it had picked up from the place where the horses had been fed. Note. — Mr. Nelson saw four birds at Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, December, 1890, which he thought were whooping- cranes, and saw a flock of seventeen sand-hill cranes at the Bend of the Colorado in March. In both cases the birds were too far off for positive identifi- cation, and as the region is out of the known range of the former spe- cies, it is probable th at some other large bird was mistaken for it. Rallus virginianus. Virginia Rail. Mr. Nelson reported the species as common at Saratoga Springs in I )eath Valley, where Mr. Bailey caught a specimen in a trap February 3. One was seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, about the middle of March, and the species was not uncommon at Lone Pine in Owens Valley, where two were secured June 7-10. Mr. Nelson saw one at the head of Morro Bay, Calif., in November. Dr. Merriam frequently heard a rail among the tules and reeds in Pahrauagat Valley, Nevada, May 26, but was un- able to say whether it was this species or the sora. Record of specimens collected of Rallus virginianus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 9 d juv. cfjuv. Death Valley, Calif Feb. 3, 1891 Juue 7, 1891 June 10, 1891 V. Bailey Saratoga Springs. 310 A. K. Fisher do 326 Do. Porzana Carolina. Sora. A sora rail was seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 10; one at Grapevine Spring, California, the first part of April; and another at Little Owens Lake, early in May. No others were seen. Pulica americana. Coot. Coots were common at a number of places where tule marshes occurred. A number were seen in the Mohave Desert, along the edge of the Mo- have River at Victor, early in January. In Death Valley it was found common at Saratoga Springs about February 1, and again in the lat- ter part of April. At Ash Meadows, Nevada, it was common during the first three weeks in March, and a few were seen in Vegas Wash, early in the month. In Owens Valley, Mr. Stephens found it common at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11, and at Ash Creek, on the southwestern side of Owens Lake, the first of June. At Lone Pine it was common on the lakes in December, 1890, and at a lake south of the same place, August 23, 1891. A pair with their young was seen in a small pond, June 5. In Nevada, Dr. Merriam observed the species in the marshes in Vegas Wash, May 2; in the valley of the Muddy, May 6; and in Pahrauagat Valley, May 24. At the west end of the Mohave Desert, in California, Mr. Palmer found coots common on Elizabeth Lake, July 2? and saw several on Crane Lake and on ponds near Gorman Station, 22 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. June 29. Mr. Bailey found it numerous in fresh- water ponds at Mon- terey. Several were seen at Soda Springs or Kern Eiver Lakes, in the Sierra Nevada, September 7. Mr. Nelson found it abundant in the lakes and along the streams in the San Joaquin Valley, October 5-27, and along the coast. At San Simeon, he saw a group sunning themselves on a strip of sandy beach just above the reach of the incoming rollers. Phalaropus tricolor. .Wilson's Pkalarope. Mr. Bailey shot an adult male near the overflow of a ditch in the alfalfa field at Furnace Creek ranch, Death Valley, June 19, and Mr. Stephens secured two at Alvord, in Owens Valley, June 27. Record of specimens collected of Phalaropus tricolor. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. d Death Valley, Calif June 19, 1891 June 27, 1891 do V. Bailey F. Stepiieus do 122 123 Do. Recurvirostra americana. Avocet. Avocets were found in a few places both east and west of the Sierra Nevada. A flock of eighteen was seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 15, and most of them secured. Mr. Stephens saw a small flock at Little Owens Lake, California, May 6-11, and the writer saw seven standing at the edge of a bar in Kern Eiver, below Kernville, Calif, July 13. Mr. Nelson found it sparingly about the lakes at Lone Pine, in December, 1890; at Buena Vista Lake, in the San Joaquin Valley, in October; saw one individual at the head of Owens Valley in July; and a few at Morro Bay in November. Dr. Merriam saw a dozen or more at the northwestern end of Owens Lake, June 19. Himantopus mexicanus. Black-necked Stilt. Near the west end of the Mohave Desert, in California, Mr. Palmer saw sixteen black-necked stilts at Elizabeth Lake, July 2, and three at Castac Lake, July 10. No others were seen during the entire season. Gallinago delicata. Wilson's Snipe. Wilson's snipe were seen in a few localities, both in California and Nevada. Mr. Nelson saw several in marshy spots near Owens Eiver at Lone Pine, Calif, until the latter part of December, 1890, when a fall in temperature drove them away. Mr. Stephens saw one at Grapevine Spring, California, April 1; a number at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11; and one at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, April 11. Mr. Bailey flushed one at Besting Springs, California, February 16, and Mr. Nelson saw several near Cottonwood Spring at the east foot of the Charleston Mountains early in March. At Ash Meadows, Nevada, May, 1893] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 23 a number were seen and one killed March 16. Mr. "Nelson saw one at the head of the Canada de las Uvas and another at Buena Vista Lake, California, in October, and found the species not common, but generally distributed along the coast marshes between San Simeon and Carpen- teria in November and December. Tringa minutilla. Least Sandpiper. Least sandpipers were seen in a few places only. Mr. Nelson reported the species as common on the shores of Owens Lake in December, 1890, and along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria the following autumn. Two small flocks were seen about an alkaline pond at Hot Springs in Panammt Valley, and a specimen was secured April 22. Near Bakerslield one was flushed from an old irrigating ditch July 19, and Mr. Nelson saw several near a small pond on the east side of Mount Pinos, in the latter part of October. Ereunetes occidentalis. Western Sandpiper. The western sandpiper was seen in a few localities only. Dr. Merriam shot a specimen out of a flock of four in the Virgin Valley, Nevada, just below the mouth of the Muddy, May 6, and Mr. Stephens found the species rather common along the shore of Little Owens Lake, Cali- fornia, May 6-11. The writer found several in company with snowy plovers, at Keeler, on the shore of Owens Lake the 1st of June. Mr. Nelson reported it as common along the shores of Morro Bay in Novem- ber. Calidris arenaria. Sanderling. Mr. Bailey secured a specimen of this wader at Monterey, Calif., October 3. Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit. Mr. Nelson reported this godwit as common at Morro Bay, on the coast of California, in November. Totanus nielanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs. Mr. Nelson reported several small parties of greater yellow-legs about the ponds at Lone Pine, Calif, in J>eceinber, 1890, and found the spe- cies common at Morro Bay the following November. Symphemia semipaimata inornata. Western Willet. Mr. Nelson found the willet common at Morro Bay, Calif., in No- vember. Heteractitis incanus. Wandering Tattler. The wandering tattler was common at Monterey, where Mr. Bailey secured a specimen October 3. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper. This species was not rare near the permanent streams. Dr. Merriam found it along several of the water courses in the southern part of the Great Dasin, where two were found at the Great Bend of the Colorado 24 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Eiver in Nevada, May 4; several along Beaverdam Creek, northwest- ern Arizona, May 10; many in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada (where the species was breeding), May 24; and one in Oasis Valley, Nevada, June 1. Mr. ISelson saw a single individual on Willow Creek Canon, in the Pauamint Mountains, May 22; and observed the species at the head of Owens River and on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, but found it nowhere common. Mr. Belding saw it at Mirror Lake, in the Yosemite Valley. The writer saw it along Kern Biver, near Kernville, July 11- 12, and at Soda Springs or Kern Biver Lakes September 5. Mr. Bailey found it common around the fresh-water pools at Monterey early in October. Numenius longirostris. Long-billed Curlew. Mr. Nelson saw four sickle-billed curlews on the shore of Owens Lake December 27, and subsequently Mr. Bailey saw a flock of about a dozen. Mr. Stephens observed one near Ash Creek, on the same lake, the last of May. Numenius hudsonicus. Hudsonian Curlew. In California Mr. Nelson found the hudsonian curlew at Buena Vista Lake in the San Joaquin Valley in October, and found it common at Morro Bay in November. Charadrius squatarola. Black-bellied Plover. The only record of the black-bellied plover was a male secured by Mr. Bailey at Monterey, Calif., October 3. .ZEgiaiitis vocifera. Killdeer Plover. The killdeer plover is the commonest wader in the desert regions and occurs wherever there is water enough to form marshy places in the vicinity of streams or springs. Br. Merriam found it particularly abundant at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, Calif., April 20-25; at the junction of Beaverdam Creek with the Virgin Biver, Arizona, M;iy 9; along the Santa Clara Biver near its junction with the same river, in southwestern Utah, May 11-15; at Willow Spring, in the western part of the Mohave Desert, June 26; at Owens Lake, June 19, and in Kern Valley, California, June 22. In Nevada he found it also, though in less abundance, at Vegas Spring, May 1; at the Bend of the Colo- rado Biver, May 4; at Bunker ville, in the Virgin Valley, May 8; in Pahranagat Valley and at Pahranagat Lake, May 22-20; The writer first observed it at Furnace Creek ranch, Death Valley, in the latter part of January, where it was noisy on moonlight nights; Dr. Merriam observed it at the same place about the middle of April; and Mr. Bailey and the writer found it not uncommon on their last trip to the Valley, June 19-22. One was seen by the latter observer at Besting Springs, California, February 16, and a number at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first three weeks of March. Mr. Nelson saw a few solitary individuals about the ranch in Pahrump Valley, May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 25 February 12-28 ; also at the ranch in Vegas Valley, and thence down the Vegas Wash as far as water occurred, March 3-16. In Owens Val- ley the same observer found it sparingly distributed along Owens Eiver and on the shore of Owens Lake in December, 1890, and the writer found it not uncommon in the same valley, both at Keeler and Lone Pine, June 3-15. In other parts of the valley Mr. Stephens found it at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11 j Ha way Meadows, May 12-14; Olaucha, May 16-23 ; Ash Creek, May 30 to June 3 ; Alvord, June 26-28 ; Bishop, June 30 to Julyl; Morans, July 4-7; and at Benton, July 9-10. He also found it rather common in Oasis Valley, Nevada, March 15-19 ; and at Grapevine Spring, California, April 1-4. In the Sierra Nevada Mr. Nelson fouud the killdeer at the head of Owens River up to an altitude of 2,440 meters (8,000 feet), and on the western slope from the San Joaquin Valley up into the Tosemite as high as 1,220 meters (4,000 feet); Mr. Stephens found it common atMenache Meadows, May 24-26; and Mr. Dutcher saw one on Big Cottonwood Creek about half a mile below his meteorological camp, September 11. Near the west end of the Mohave Desert Mr. Palmer saw the species at Elizabeth Lake, July 2, and near Crane Lake, June 29. The writer saw killdeers on the eastern slope of Walker Pass, July 1, and Mr. Bailey on the western slope the following day. Several were seen at the South Fork of Kern River, July 3-10; at Kernville, July 11-13; at Walker Basin, July 13-16; and at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. At Three Rivers, California, in the western foothills of the Sierra, the killdeer plover was common July 25-30, and on the return trip Sep- tember 14-17. Mr. Bailey found it common at Monterey, Calif, September 28 to October 9; and Mr. Nelson reported it as common and generally distrib- uted in the San Joaquin Valley, about San Luis Obispo, and along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula, in Novem- ber and December. Record of specimens collected of jEgxalitis vocifera. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 122 ? d Mar. 10, 1890 A . K . Fisher June 19, 1891 V. Bailey Death Valley. Calif .ffigialitis nivosa. Snowy Plover. This handsome little plover was observed by the writer on the shores of Owens Lake, near Keeler, May 30 to June 4, where it was common in small flocks of five or ten on the alkaline flats which border the lake. Like most other birds in the vicinity, it fed extensively, if not exclusively, on a species of small fly (Mphydra hums Say), which was found in immense masses near the edge of the lake. Many of these swarms of flies were four or five layers deep and covered an area of 15 26 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. ["No. 7. or 20 square feet. Some idea can be formed of the inexhaustible sup- ply of food which this insect furnishes for birds when it is known that colonies of equal size occurred at close intervals in suitable localities all around the lake, which has a shore line of between 40 and 50 miles. The species was evidently breeding at the time, but no eggs or young were found. The birds were tame and unsuspicious, and allowed a person to approach within a few yards before taking wing, and if not too closely pressed would run along ahead of the observer. As Mr. Nelson found the species at this same place December 27, 1890, it is undoubtedly a resident in Owens Valley. Mr. Bailey found this plover numerous on the beach at Monterey, Calif., September 28 to October 9. Record of specimens collected of JEgialitis nivosa. Col- lector's Sex. Xo. 276 cT 277 d 278 d Locality. Keeler, Inyo County, Calif. do ..\ .' do Date. June 1, 1891 ...do ...do Collector. A. K. Fisher ...do ...do Remarks. iEgialitis montana. Mountain Plover. According to Mr. \Nelson, mountain plovers were common in flocks in October at several places on the open grassy plains in the San Joa- quin Valley, Calif. Oreortyx pictus plumiferus. Plumed Quail. The known range of the mountain quail was considerably extended by the field work of the expedition. In Cajon Pass, in the San Ber- nardino Mountains, a small band was seen and an individual secured January 2. In the Panamint Mountains a feather was found in John- son Caii on, and a pair or so of the birds seen April 6. The Indians, as well as some of the inhabitants of Panamint, knew the bird well, and stated thatitwas common in manyparts of the mountains. Dr.Merriam andMr. Bailey saw it among the junipers on the north slope of Telescope Peak, April 17-19, and Mr. Nelson found it a common breeding species among the piiions on Willow Creek, Mill Creek, and in Cottonwood Caiion, in the more northern part of the range. Death Valley, with the barren, treeless range immediately to the east, prevents the extension of the species in that direction as effectually as it does the valley quail. In the Argus Eange the plumed quail was common. Mr. W. C. Burnett saw a pair at the summit of Shepherd Canon, and above Maturango Spring the males were heard throughout the day uttering their not unpleasant call notes. At Searl's garden, which is near the southern end of this range, Mr. Stephens heard that they came down into the garden in summer. In the Coso Mountains the species was still more common among the piiions, where several specimens were secured during the latter half of May. In the Inyo Range it was reported as not uncommon Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 27 at Cerro Gordo, and Mr. Nelson found it common among the nut pines along- Waucoba Creek the last of June. On Mount Magruder, Nevada, Dr. Merriam found it common and breeding June 4-9. On this mount- ain the plumed quails were distributed in pairs, a pair occupying the chaparral on each hillside among the pifions. In the Sierra Nevada Mr. Stephens heard them west of Little Owens Lake, May 6-11 ; at Menache Meadows at an altitude of 3,050 meters (10,000 feet), May 24-26; at Independence Creek, where young were seen near the mouth of the canon, June 18-23; and at Bishop Creek August 4-10. Mr. Nelson found the mountain quail common at the head of Owens Kiver and on the headwaters of the San Joaquin .River on the opposite slope. On the western slope of Walker Pass we found it common among the chaparral in the canons, where it was associated more or less with the valley quail, which was abundant there. At Walker Basin a flock was seen on the hillside above the valley on July 14. In the Sierra Liebre Dr. Merriam saw one near Alamo ranch June 30, and Mr. Palmer found it common on Frazier Mountain, where half- grown young were found July 9. In the southern Sierra Nevada it was common in the Sequoia National Park, and especially near the openings, and coveys of half-grown young were seen every day during the first week in August. It was common also at Horse Corral Mead- ows August 9-13. A flock was seen at Big Cottonwood Meadows August 26, and another at Bound Valley, 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, August 28. At the latter place birds were running about among the bare rocks above timber line. At Soda Springs, or Kern Biver Lakes, small flocks were seen and several individuals taken September 3. A number were observed around Mineral King the first part of August, and again in September. In the coast ranges Mr. Nelson found the plunied quail common near La Panza the last of October, and in the mountains back of San Simeon in November. Record of specimens collected of Oreortyx pictus plumiferus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Eemarks. 17 d ad. ? d d d d d d 9 cf.inv. cfjuv. d Jan. 2,1891.. May 13, 1891. .../do A. K. Fisher. E. W. kelson. Do. Do. Do. A. K. Fisher. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. V. Bailey. Pananiint Mountains, Calif do do May 17, 1891. May 21,1891. May 13, 1891. May 23, 1891. May 27, 1891. ....fdo! do 234 247 265 do 266 do 361 Walker Pass, Calif July 3, 1891. .....clo 362 do Soda Springs, Kern River, Calif . Aug. 12,1891. Callipepla californica. California Quail. The only places from which the typical California quail was recorded are Monterey and Boulder Creek on the coast of California, where Mr. Bailey found it common during the first part of October. 28 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA, [No; 7. Callipepla californica vallicola. Valley Quail. The valley quail was found abundantly in many places, and its east- ern range in southern California was carefully and definitely mapped. As might be expected, it was found at every point west of the Sierra Ne- vada visited by members of the expedition. To the east of this range, and the ranges forming its southern continuation, the species was com- mon out to the edge of the Mohave Desert and Salt Wells Valley, and all through Owens Valley as far north at least as Benton, where both Mr. Nelson and Mr. Stephens found it. It was common along the western base of the White Mountains and in the Inyo, Coso, Argus, and Pana- mint mountains. In the latter range its eastern distribution ends — Death Valley, with the barren, treeless mountains beyond forming a complete barrier to its further extension. The valley quail was not found in the Grapevine Mountains, in Panamint or Saline valleys, or in the Mohave Desert proper, though around the edges of this desert it was seen on the south at the summit of Cajon Pass, on the north at Lone Willow and Leach Point springs, and on the west at Willow Spring and Antelope Valley. The easternmost limits of its range are the San Bernardino Mountains on the south side of the Mohave Desert, and Leach Point Spring on the north side. The latter locality is only a short distance west of the extreme south end of Death Valley. Here Dr. Merriam shot specimens April 25. In the Panamint range it was common in Johnson and Surprise Canons, and Mr. Nelson found it in Cottonwood, Mill Creek, and Wil- low Creek canons. In the Argus Range this quail was common in Shepherd Canon, at Maturaugo Spring and at other places visited. In the Coso Mountains it was found to range from the lowest part of the valley up through the canons to the tops of the high peaks, where it was quite closely associated with the mountain quail (Oreortyx) during the breeding sea- son. In the Inyo Mountains, Mr. Nelson found it on the east slope at Hunter's arastra and Waucoba Creek, and along the west slope up to the pifions. At Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, young, just able to fly, were seen June 4-15, and at Walker Pass, flocks containing a hundred or more on July 1-2. These flocks were composed of several families, as they contained from ten to fifteen adults and young that varied in size from those just hatched up to half-grown birds. At the west slope of Walker Pass, the valley quail was again found ranging above the lower limit of the mountain quail. At Three Rivers, in the west- ern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, these quails, both adult andyoung> were found in the oaks feeding on the young acorns July 25-30. Throughout the San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Nelson found it common about ranches, along water courses or near springs. It was excessively abundant at some of the springs in the hills about the Temploa Moun- tains and Carrizo Plain. In the week following the expiration of the close season, two men, pot-hunting for the market, were reported to Mxr, 1803.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 29 have killed 8,400 quail at a solitary spring in the Temploa Moun- tains. The men built a brush blind near the spring, which was the only water within a distance of 20 miles, and as evening approached the quails came to it by thousands. One of Mr. Nelson's informants who saw the birds at this place stated that the ground all about the water was covered by a compact body of quails, so that the hunters mowed them down by the score at every discharge. The species was common along the coast from San Simeon to Carpentaria and Santa Paula, in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Callipepla californica vallicola. Col- lector's Sex. ISO. 16 cTad. 65 9 9 140 S d 2 ? juv. d d 185 d 244 d 245 ? JUV. 72 d juv. 357 9 .juv. 358 d juv. 350 ? juv. 376 ? juv. 377 d juv. 404 d im- Locality. Date. Cajon Pass, Calif Jan. 1, Lone Willow Spring, Calif Jan. 16, do Jan. 17, Pananiint Mountains, Calif .... Mar. -6, do Apr. 10, do do .. do June 13, Argus Range, Calif Jan. 2, do do .. do Api. 27, Coso Mountains, Calif May 21, , do do .. Inyo Mountains, Calif July 1, Owens Lake, Calif : June 3, Walker Pass, Calif : July 1 , do ' do . . do ' do . . Kern River, Calif ! July 5, do I do .. 1801 1801 1801 1801 1801 1801 1801 1801 1891 1801 1891 1801 Three Rivers, Calif | July 28, 1801 1891 Collector. A. K. Fisher . ....do E. W. Kelson A. K. Fisher . E. W. Nelson -.-.do ....do V. Bailev ....do..: A. K. Fisher . ....do ....do E. W. Nelson F. Stephens. . A. K. Fisher. ....do . . . .do ....do ....do Remarks. Johnson Canon. Surprise Canon. Do. Shepherd Canon. Do. Do. ' South Fork. Callipepla gambeli. Gambol's Quail. Gambel's quail is essentially a desert bird, though rarely found at any great distance from water. It was first observed in winter by our party at Furnace Creek, in Death Valley, where it was reported to have been introduced by the Borax Company from Eesting Springs. A few young- were seen here June 10-21 by Mr. Bailey and the writer, and a female shot for a specimen had an egg in the lower part of the oviduct. At Besting Springs, California, which is in the Amargosa Yalley, it was ex- cessively abundant in February and furnished considerable food for the party. It was so common among the mesquite and other brush that steel traps set for diurnal mammals were often sprung by it, and in a few in- stances quail were found in traps set in pouched gopher holes. A few were seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, in March. At the ranch in Pahrump Yalley, Nevada, it was fully as abundant as at Besting Springs and was considered a great nuisance by the proprietor of the place, owing to the damage it does to the crops. Mr. Nelson, who was alone in camp for several days in this locality, gives the following notes on its habits: "I noticed that when a flock of quail came to feed on grain left by the horses, an old male usually mounted the top of a tall bush close by and remained on guard for ten or fifteen minutes, then, if everything was 30 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. quiet, he would fly down among his companions. At the first alarm the flock would take to the bushes, running- swiftly, or flying when hard pressed. They roosted in the dense bunches of willows and cotton- woods growing along the ditches. As a rule the birds walked under the roosting place and flew up one or two at a time into the tree or bush, though sometimes they flew into the tree from a distance. When feeding they have a series of low clucking and cooing notes which are kept up almost continually." Dr. Merriam found Gambel's quail abundant below Mountain Spring, in the southern part of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, April 29-30, and shot several at Upper Cottonwood Springs, at the east base of the same mountains, April 30. He contributes the following notes concern- ing its presence in eastern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and south- western Utah : In Nevada it was common at the Great Bend of the Colorado, May 4, where several sprung traps set for small mammals ; in the Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy it was not only abundant but so unwary that it ran along in front of the horses in considerable numbers, early in May; it was tolerably common in the southern part of Pahranagat Valley, May 22-26, but shy and difficult of approach. At the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, northwestern Arizona, and thence up over the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, it was exceedingly abundant as it was also in the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15, and a few were found as far north as the Upper Santa Clara Crossing. The spe- cies is said to reach Shoal Creek at the south end of the Escalante Desert occasionally, but is rare there. Record of specimens collected of Callipcpla gambeli. Col- lector's No. 102 1U4 28 Sex. d d 9 9 d 9 a cfad d Locality. Death Valley, Calif.. do .(Id. .do. .do. .do. Resting Springs, Calif. do Pahrurup Valley, Nov . Ash Meadows, Nev . . . Date. Jan. 24,1891 ....do ....do ....do June 19,1891 ....do Feb. 8,1891 ....do Feb. 15,1891 Mar. 4, 1891 Collector. A. K. Fisher ...do ...do ...do V.Bailey.... do A. K. Fisher ...do T. S. Palmer . F. Stephens . 15 cm arks. Furnace Creek. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. Sooty Grouse. The Sooty Grouse was nowhere common, and the only ones seen out- side of the Sierra Nevada Avere one by Mr. Nelson in the upper part of the White Mountains, in July, and a pair by Mr. Stephens at the Queen mill, Nevada, in the same mountains, July 11-16. On the eastern slope of the Sierra, one was seen by Mr. Stephens at Menache Meadows, the latter part of May; another on Independ- ence Creek about the same time; one adult and two broods, at Bishop Creek, August 4-10; and it was found sparingly at the head of Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 31 Owens Biver, in the latter part of July. In the Sequoia National Park a few were seen both at the saw mill and at Halsted Meadows. At Horse Corral Meadows a flock of ten or fifteen was seen and two secured, August 11. Several were seen in Kings River Canon about the mead- ows, August 13-16; at Big Cottonwood Meadows throughout the sum- mer; and grouse were not uncommon near timber line, at Mineral King and vicinity, during August and first half of September. Mr. Nelson found a few about the summit of Mount Piiios in October. Record of specimens collected of Dendragapus obsenrus fuligiuosus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Ilomarks. 146 147 9 ,iuv. 2 juv. $ im. ? ad. d ad. d ad. Sierra Nevada Calif do Aug. 7, 1891 do du Bishop Creek. Do. 150 do Aug. 9, 1891 do Do. 151 do Do. 160 do Auff.23, 1891 . do 10 do July 6, 1891 B. H. Dutclier.. [Meadows. Centrocercus urophasianus. Sage Grouse. On Mount Magruder, on the Nevada side of the boundary line between California and Nevada, many piles of sage hens' excrement were found among sage brush on the main peak, by Dr. Merriam and Mr. Bailey. They were told by a inspector that sage hens used to be common on the mountain, but are very scarce now, having been killed off a few winters ago by unusually deep snow. At the head of Owens Eiver, on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Mr. Nelson found this bird ranging in among the lower border of the pines (Pinusjeffreyi,) where he saAv numerous tracks. Near Mammoth Pass also he found it common among the sage brush at about 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) altitude. The same observer stated that the sage hen was a common species in the northern half of the White Mountains up to 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) altitude, where he killed a half-grown bird from a large covey. Mr. Stephens learned from the miners at the Queen mine, Nevada, that this grouse occurred in the gulches around the mines. Columba fasciata. Band-tailed Pigeon. At Three Bivers, in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Cali- fornia, Mr. Palmer saw three band-tailed pigeons among the oaks the last of July, and the species was reported to be quite common in the barley stubble of a neighboring ranch. Mr. Nelson found it common among the oaks in the Tehachapi and Temploa mountains, and saw a few about San Luis Obispo during the last of October. Along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria it was abundant among the oaks in November. Flocks of from 10 to a 100 were feeding on the berries of Arbutus menziesii as well as upon acorns. He saw a few flocks be- tween Carpenteria and Santa Paula during the last part of December. 32 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove. After the spring migration set in, the mourning dove was a common species all through the desert region wherever water occurred. There was no bird that indicated the close proximity of water with more cer- tainty than the dove, and wherever it was found congregated in any numbers water was confidently looked for. The three following records are the only ones which indicate its presence in the region during the winter: Two were seen drinking from a stream at San Bernardino^ Calif., December 28, 1890 ; one was seen near the roadside at Lone Pine in the same month, and a single individual was found at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, the latter part of January. Migrants were first ob- served at the last-mentioned place April 9-12, and at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, April 21. At Lone Willow Spring Dr. Merriam saw several April 24, and at Leach Point Spring he observed large num- bers as they came to the water to drink, and fifteen were secured for food the evening of April 25. In Ainargosa Canon and at Besting Springs they were seen April 27. Mr. Nelson found it exceedingly abundant in the vicinity of springs and streams in the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, where it ranged well up among the pifions. He found them more sparingly at the head of Owens Biver, in the Sierra Nevada, on both slopes of the Inyo Mountains, and up to the pifions in the White Mountains. They were nesting in various situations, some on the ground sheltered by a bush, others on horizontal branches of cotton- woods, willows, or pifions, and one he found in a small cup-shaped de- pression on the top of a tall granite boulder C feet from the ground. Doves were very common in the Argus Range in Shepherd Canon and at Maturango Spring, where they filled in very nicely the shortcomings of the mess. In the Coso Mountains the species was just as abundant and occurred up through the canons to the summit of the range. Dr. Merriam contributes the following records for eastern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southwest Utah : In the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, it was seen both at Mountain Spring, and at the Upper Cotton- wood Springs at the east foot of the mountains, April 30 ; at Vegas ranch, May 1; abundant in Vegas Wash and at the Bend of the Colorado, May 2-4; in the valley of the Muddy and Virgin it was common May 7-8; in the Juniper Mountains dozens came to Sheep Spring to drink, the evening of May 18; at Pah roc Spring it was very abundant May 20-22; in Pahranagat Valley it was common and unusually tame May 22-26; at Quartz Spring, on the western slope of the Desert Mountains, it fairly swarmed on the evening of May 22, there being no other water for many miles in any direction ; in Oasis Valley it was abundant June 1, feeding on seeds of the bunch grass (Oryzopsis cuspidata), and was common on Mount Magruder June 4-9. At the mouth of Beaverdam Creek in northwestern Arizona doves were excessively abundant May 9-10, and were common throughout the juniper belt of the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, May 10-11. In the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, they were likewise abundant May 11-15. May, 1893. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 33 Iii Owens Valley, California, the species was abundant from one end to the other. At Lone Pine, during the first part of Juue, quantities of nests, one of which contained three young, were found in the willow and cottonwood groves. During the last trip to Death Valley, Mr. Bailey and the writer found it common in the Panamint Mountains, and saw four at Furnace Creek June 19-21. In the Sierra Nevada doves were common in Walker Pass July 1-3 ; along the valley of Ke^n River, July 3-13; at Walker Basin, July 13-16 ; at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20 ; at Three Rivers in the western foothills, and along the Kaweah below the pines, the last of July. In the High Sierra Mr. Palmer saw a pair in Kings Biver Caiion, August 14; Mr. Dutcher shot one and saw others at Big Cottonwood Meadows early in September; and it was seen at Soda Springs and Trout Meadows about the same time. In the Caiiada de las Uvas, California, it was abundant at Old Fort Tejon in June and July, and Mr. Stephens found it rather common at Reche Caiion, near San Bernardino, September 22-26. Mr. Nelson reported it as common in the San Joaquin Valley in October, and saw a few along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, and at Santa Paula, in Novem- ber and December. Mourning doves furnish a large amount of food to the Indians dur- ing the spring and summer. Before migration commences the Indians build rude huts of brush, grass, and weeds, in which to secrete them- selves, near the springs and streams. Loopholes are made on the sides toward the water, through which arrows are shot at the birds as they alight to drink. Record of specimens collected of Zenaidura macronra. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 299 2 juv. Owens Valley, Calif June 6, 1891. do A.K.Fisher.... do .. 300 I)o Pseudogryphns californianus. California Vulture. It was with considerable surprise and pleasure that we found the California vulture still tolerably common in certain localities west of the Sierra Nevada, in California. Mr. Palmer reported seeing one fly- ing above Frazier Mountain July 9, and while on his way to Tejon ranch, July 11, saw three others soaring overhead in company with tur- key buzzards, and stated that it was an easy matter to distinguish the two species. On July 16, about 3 miles from Walker Basin, on the road leading to Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Bailey and the writer saw one of these vultures in company with the turkey buzzards flying about the carcass of a cow. The white on the underside of its wings was plainly visible. 12731— No. 7 -3 34 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. At San Emigdio and the adjacent footliills Mr. Nelson found it quite common in October, and was told that it became very numerous there in winter. He also found it common along the coast near San Simeon, and in the Santa Ynez Mountains. In all these places it was shy and difficult of approach. On the pass at the head of Owens River, July 24, and on the trail above Lone Pine, August 27, Mr. Nel- son saw solitary birds which he thought belonged to this species. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture. The turkey buzzard was seen in various localities, both in the desert and in the mountain regions, but was nowhere common. It was first met with in Death Valley, where a few were seen during the latter part of March. Dr. Merriam saw a number sailing over the Mohave Desert March 29 and 30, and saw several congregated about a dead horse at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, April 11. He saw one in Emigrant Canon in the Panamint Mountains about the middle of April, and another at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, April 20. Mr. Nelson saw a few over Mesquite Valley, and in the Grapevine Mountains in May; found it sparingly in the Inyo Mountains, from the valley to the sum- mit, in the latter part of June, and in the White Mountains in July. In the Argus Kange the writer saw it in Shepherd Canon and at Maturango Spring, in the latter part of April and first part of May; a few were found atCoso the latter part of May, and around Owens Lake and Lone Pine in June. The species was noted all through Owens Val- ley, from the southern part to the upper end, and at the base of the White Mountains. On the last trip to Death Valley some were seen at Furnace Creek, June 19-21. In the Sierra Nevada it was seen at Kernville, along the valley of tl\e Kern Kiver, and in Walker Basin in July; and in the High Sierra at Horse Corral, Big Cottonwood, and Whitney meadows, in August. It was seen at Old Fort Tejon, and in Tehachapi Valley, California, in June, by Dr. Merriam and Mr. Palmer. In the San Joaquin Valley it was seen at various x>laces from Bakerslleld to Visalia and Three Rivers. Mr. Bailey saw it at Monterey the last of September; and Mr. Stephens at Reche Canon, near San Bernardino, about the same date. In Nevada Dr. Merriam saw it in Vegas Wash, May 3; in the Virgin Valley, May 8; Pahranagat Valley, May 22-20; Ash Meadows, May 30; and a few on Mount Magrucler, June 4-8. In the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, it was rather common, May 11-15. Mr. Nelson found it common in the San Joaquin Valley, in the Te- hachapi Mountains, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpen- teria about the end of the year. Elanus leucurus. White-tailed Kite. Mr. Nelson found the white-tailed kite rather uncommon about San Luis Obispo, where he shot a specimen and saw others in November, The species was not seen elsewhere. Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 35 Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. Wherever there was sufficient water to form considerable areas of marsh land, the marsh hawk was pretty certain to be observed. An adult male was secured at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, January 29; several were seen at Besting Springs in February; and the species was not uncommon at Ash Meadows, Nevada, in March. In Nevada Mr. Nelson found it common in Pahrump and Vegas valleys in February and March, especially about the ranch in the former place, and Mr. Stephens reported an unusual preponderance of birds in the blue plumage in Oasis Valley about the middle of March. Dr. Mer- riam saw one in Oasis Valley, June 1; both blue and red birds at Ash Meadows, May 30, and in Pahranagat Valley May 22-26; he shot a male in Meadow Creek Valley May 19, and saw several in the Lower Muddy and Virgin valleys May 6-8. In California marsh hawks were common in a number of places through- out Owens Valley in winter as well as during the breeding season, and were doubtless attracted by the vast number of meadow mice (Arvicolce) which swarm through the wet meadows and marshes. Marsh hawks were common along the South Fork of Kern River, where they were seen often through the day skimming over the alfalfa fields and marshes, and in the High Sierra a few were seen at Whitney and Big Cottonwood meadows. At the west end of the Mohave Desert Dr. Merriam saw one near Gorman ranch, June 28; Mr. Bailey found it at Monterey in September, and Mr. Nelson reported it as common in the San Joaquin Valley and around Carpenteria later in the fall. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned. Hawk. We found this species nowhere as common as it is in most of the Eastern States; the total number seen by members of the party, both during migration and in the breeding season, being less than could be seen in southern New York on any day in early September. The writer saw two at the ranch at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, in the latter part of January; Mr. Nelson observed one at Bennett Wells in the same valley about the same time; and Dr. Merriam saw two at the former place, April 11. The species was seen at Besting Springs, California, the first week in February. In Nevada it was observed at Ash Meadows early in March; Mr. Nelson saw several and killed one at the ranch in Pahrump Valley February 12-28; and saw it among the mesquite thickets on his route from Ash Meadows to the Bend of the Col- orado, March 3-16. Dr. Merriam saw one at Vegas Wash May 2; one at the Bend of the Colorado River, Nevada, May 4; one at the west side of the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, May 10. In California he saw one in Owens Valley about the middle of June, and one in Kern Valley, June 22. At Hot Springs, in Panamint Val- ley, Mr. Nelson shot a specimen early in January, and Dr. Merriam saw two during his stay, April 19-21; one in Emigrant Canon, in the 36 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Panamint Mountains, April 14; and another on the north side of Tele- scope Peak, April 18 ; and the writer saw one in Surprise Canon, April 20. Mr. Nelson saw the species once or twice in the piflon belt along Waucoba Creek, in the Inyo Mountains, in the latter part of June; and a few in the foothills on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, in August. Mr. Bailey and the writer observed two or three on the western slope of Walker Pass in the same range July 2-3; one was observed in Kings Eiver Canon, August 15; and another at Three Fivers in the western foothills, September 13. Mr. Koch secured a pair near their camp in Cottonwood Meadows July 30; Mr. Palmer reported seeing two at Old Fort Tejon ; and Mr. Bailey found it not uncommon at Whitney Meadows and at Soda Springs, in August. Mr. Stephens saw one at Grapevine Spring, California, the first week in April; one at Olancha, at the southern end of Owens Lake, the third week in May, and one at Bishop Creek, early in August. Mr. Bailey saw several at Monterey, during the first week of October. Mr. Nelson found it common in the San Joaquin Valley between Bakersfield and San Emigdio in October, and saw a few along the coast from San Sim- eon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Accipiter velox. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 22 cf ad. ? ad. July 30, 1801 do B. H. Dutcher . . do 23 ...do Meadows. Do. Accipiter cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. This hawk was even more rare than the sharp-shinned, as scarcely two dozen were seen during the time the expedition was in the field. In Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains, on January 2, the writer decoyed one by imitating the squealing of a mouse; one was seen at Hesperia on the Mohave Desert, January 4; one or two at the ranch at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, the latter part of the same month, and a few were seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first half of March. Mr. Stephens saw one which had been killed at Searl's garden, on Borax Flat, April 23-2G, and one at Bishop Creek, in Owens Valley, the first week in August. In the Sierra Nevada Mr. Nelson noted the species on the divide be- tween the Merced and San Joaquin rivers; Mr. Bailey saw oue on the Kaweah Eiver; two at Whitney Meadows; the writer saw one at the latter place September 2, and secured a specimen at Three Eivers, in the western foothills, July 28. Its stomach contained the remains of a Beechey's spermophile. Mr. Nelson found a few among the oaks in the lower part of the Tehachapi and Temploa mountains in October, and along the route be- ween San Simeon and Carpenteria in November, May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 37 Accipiter atrioapillus striatulus. Goshawk. No specimens of this handsome and daring hawk were taken by any member of the expedition. Mr. Nelson stated that a hawk flew over his camp at Lone Pine, Owens Valley, in December, 1890, which he thought belonged to this species, and Mr. Bailey is quite certain he saw an in- dividual among the sequoias on Kaweah River, and another at Soda Springs, or Kern River Lakes. Buteo borealis calurus. Western Rod-tail. The western red-tail was observed at most localities visited by mem- bers of the expedition in California, Nevada, and Utah. It was seen on the Mohave Desert near Victor, early in January, several were ob- served in Death Valley between Benuett Wells and Saratoga Springs about the 1st of February, and one at the former place in Death Valley, on June 21. At Resting Springs. California, a fine specimen was secured, and others seen early in February. In Nevada it was noted at Ash Meadows, in Pahrump Valley, in Vegas Wash, at the Bend of the Colorado, at Pah- roc Spring, in Pahranagat Valley, in Oasis Valley, at Mount Magruder, and on the Charleston and Grapevine mountains. On Mount Magruder one was shot by Dr. Merriam as it swooped to pick up a wounded dove, June 7, and another at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, Arizona, May 9. The stomach of the latter contained a ground squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus). Several were seen in the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, about the middle of May. In the Panamint Mountains, California, Dr. Merriam observed it in Emigrant Canon about the middle of April, and Mr. Bailey and the writer saw one soaring over the summit of Telescope Peak on June 23 and later in the day the former observer killed one near the 'char- coal kilns.' Its stomach contained one pocket gopher (Thomomys), two large lizards (Cnemidophorus tigris and Sauromalus ater), five grasshop- pers, and oue sand cricket (Stenopalmatw). In the northern part of the same mountains Mr. Nelson noted a few, and also in the White and Inyo mountains from the upper limit of the pines down to the valleys. In the Argus Range individuals were seen at Shepherd Canon and Maturango Spring; and near the road to Lookout Mountain an adult was seen on June 25, beating back and forth over the rocky hillside, evidently hunting for the large lizards known as ' chuck- wallas ' (Sau- romalus ater), which were common in the locality. It was observed in the Coso Mountains, and in Owens Valley it was found at a number of places, both in winter and summer. It was seen at Old Fort Tejon, Walker Pass, Walker Basin, South Fork of Kern River, and in the High Sierra at Sequoia National Park, Horse Corral, Cottonwood, and Whitney meadows, and Round Valley. In the San Joaq uin Valley it was observed at Bakersfield and Visalia. Mr. Bailey saw it at Monterey, and Mr. Stephens at Reche Canon near San Bernardino. Mr. Nelson saw it everywhere about the Tehachapi 38 NOETH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. and Temploa mountains and found it coonnon all along the coast from San Simeon to Santa Paula in November and December. Buteo liueatus elegans. Red-bellied Hawk. This species was observed mainly in the San Joaquin Valley, where one was seen near an irrigating ditch at Bakersiield, July 18, evidently watching for frogs. At Visalia a fine adult was seen among the oaks, July 22, and at the same place on September 17 and 18 the species was not uncommon. Mr. Nelson reported it as abundant among the oaks on Kings River at the base of the foothills in August, and saw it near the Mission of Santa Ynez and in Gaviota Pass, in November. Buteo swainsoiii. Swainson's Hawk. Swainson's hawk is apparently a rare species in the region traversed by the expedition. Mr. Nelson saw a number on the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and Dr. Merriam shot an adult male on Kern River near Kernville, June 23. Its stomach contained one grasshop- per. Several were seen catching grasshoppers in the Canada de his Uvas, California, June 28-29. At Walker Basin, California, Mr. Bailey and the writer saw a number, and on July 15 the latter observer killed an adult female whose stomach contained about fifty grasshop- pers. In Walker Basin a species of grasshopper, which Prof. C. V. Riley kindly identified for the writer as Camnula pellucida, was very abundant. In many places a large part of the vegetation ordinarily available as food for these insects was dried up and had lost much of its original nutritive properties, so they had to seek elsewhere for sub sistence. This they found in the form of fresh horse droppings which were strewn along the roads and in the corrals. Wherever this sub- stance occurred vast numbers of grasshoppers congregated in a strug- gling mass, each individual striving to reach the interior of the throng so as to partake of the food. Not only the hawks, but most other birds in the valley, including ducks, ravens, woodpeckers, and sparrows, fed almost exclusively on the grasshoppers. Archibuteo ferrugineus. Ferruginous Rough-leg. Very few squirrel hawks were seen by the expedition, Mr. Nelson secured a specimen at Pahrump ranch, and saw others in Vegas and Pahrump valleys and Vegas Wash, March 3-16. A few were seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, about the same time, but none were secured. Dr. Merriam saw a pair circling over the summit of the highest peak of Mount Magruder, Nevada, June 8, and several times afterward saw them hunting in company in the nut pine groves of the same moun- tains. Aquila chrysaetos. Golden Eagle. The golden eagle was observed sparingly in a number of widely sepa- rated localities by different members of the expedition. One was seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 18, circling over a shallow pond in which a large number of ducks were feeding. Mr. Nelson saw several Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 39 in Vegas Valley and about the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, March 3-16, and Dr. Merriani saw three among the tree yuccas on the east side of Pahrump Valley, April 29, and one on the Charleston .Mountains the following day. One was seen in the Juniper Mountains May 19, and another at Oasis Valley the 1st of June. In California Dr. Mer- riam observed a pair in Owens Valley, June 10-19, and he and Mr. Palmer saw one near Alamo ranch, in the Sierra Liebre, June 30. According to the Indians, this eagle breeds rarely in the higher por- tions of the Grapevine. Panamint, Inyo, and White mountains. In the main Sierra Nevada one was seen on the east slope of Walker Pass, July 2; a pair on the South Fork of the Kern River, July 3-11; one near Little Cottonwood Creek, August 23; a number in Whitney Meadows; and several at and above timber line near Mineral King, September 8-11. At the latter place they probably fed on woodchucks (Arctomys) and grouse (Dendragapus). Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. Two adult bald eagles were seen sitting on a dead mesquite at Ash Meadows, Nevada, about the middle of March. They were the only ones noted during the season. Falco mexicanus. Prairie Falcon. Prairie falcons were seen in a number of localities throughout the desert regions as Avell as among the mountain ranges of southern Cali- fornia and Nevada. In Death Valley, between Bennett Wells and Furnace Creek, one was seen January 22, and at the latter place one was shot from its perch on a haystack where it sat watching a flock of Gambol's quail, January 27. and another was ^een in summer on June 20. One was secured at Resting Springs in the Amargosa Desert, February 12, and another at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 10. At the latter place, where ducks were abundant, this falcon was seen on several occasions to chase single birds, which escaped by dropping in the water among the tides. Mr. Nelson saw a number in Pahrump and Vegas valleys. Nevada, and at the Bend of the C< >1< >rado. and one was seen on a cliff in Vegas Wash eating a duck. In the Panamint Moun- tains one was shot from the top of a cut bank at the mouth of Johnson Canon, March 20; others were seen in Emigrant ('anon, April 14-15, and in the higher mountains near Telescope Peak, April 17-19. Mr. Nelson found it sparingly about the bases of both the Panamint and Grapevine ranges, where old nests were found on the cliffs. In Nevada Dr. Merriam saw it on Mount Magruder, June 8; in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-20 (breeding in both the Pahranagat and Hyko mountains), and in the Virgin Valley near Bunkerville, May 8. In the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, he saw a pair several times about the cliffs a short distance from the village of St. George, May 11-15. In Panamint Valley it was seen at Hot Springs April 20, and in the lower end of the valley, January 12. A female was seen in the Coso 40 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Mountains chasing doves, May 19. In Owens Valley the species was seen at a number of localities, and undoubtedly breeds in both the Inyo range and the Sierra Nevada. On the eastern slope of Walker Pass a pair of these falcons were seen flying along the hillsides where quail were abundant. In the High Sierra a specimen was shot at Big Cottonwood Meadows, August 26; one was seen at Whitney Meadows in the same month, and another at the summit of the pass at the head of Kings River. Mr. Palmer noted the species at Old Fort Tejon, June 28; Mr. Nelson saw it occasionally in the San Joaquin Valley, October 5-27 ; and saw several along the route from San Simeon to Santa Maria in November, and a few at Canada de las Uvas and up to the summit of the Temploa Moun- tains. Record of specimens collected of Falco mexicanus. Col- lector's Sex. No. May 11, . . . .'do . . 1891 1891 ism 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 A. K. Fisher . ...do ...do F. Stephens. . A. K. Fisher . ...do do do do do Bailey. ... S. Palmer. F. Stephens A. K. Fisher ...do E. W. Nelson... ...do ...do V. Bailey ...do... C. HartMerriam ...do E. W. Nelson . . F. Stephens — do A. K. Fisher .. . ...do ...do ...do ...do F.Stephens-... ...do ...do ...do E. W. Nelson .. A.K.Fisher... T. S. Palmer ... ...do Daggett. Granite Wells. Do Do Do Do Do Leach Point Valloy. 25 miles southwest of Mojavc. Borax Flat. Valley between Gold Mountain and Mount Magruder. San Rafael Mountains. Ash Creek. < Hancha. Keoler. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Casa Diablo Spring. Do. Maturango Sprint Do. Otocoris alpestris chrysolaema. Mexican Horned Lark. Mr. Nelson obtained a number of specimens of this race at Keelcr, on the shore of Owens Lake, December 28, 1800, though specimens tali en at the same place during the breeding season are referable to areni- cola. Mr. Stephens took one in the Panamint Mountains in April. 68 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. and Mr. Bailey secured a specimen at Kernville, where the subspecies was common, July 13. The birds seen by Mr. Nelson in the San Joaquin Valley and in the vicinity of the Canada de las Uvas proba- bly should be referred to this race. He found it excessively abun- dant on the San Joaquin Plain, where it is locally known as the i wheat bird' in the grain districts, owing to its habit of following the farmer and eating the newly-sown wheat ac seeding time. Record of specimens collected of Otocoris alpestris chrysohvma. Col- lector's No. Sox. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 1! Panamint Mountains, Calif Kernville, Calif Owens Valley, Calif do Apr. 15,1891 July 13, 1891 Dec. 28, 1890 ....do .do. .do. .do. .do. .do. .do .do .do .do -do JF. Stephens 5,200 feet altitude. V. Bailev W. Nelson . ...do .do .do .do .do .do Kceler. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Pica pica hudsonica. Black-billed Magpie. Mr. Bailey saw three individuals of this species 10 miles east of Toquerville, Utah, December, 31, 1888. The black-billed magpie was not seen by the expedition, but is known to be a common resident in the neighborhood of Carson, in western Nevada. Pica nuttalli. Yellow-billed Magpie. The Yellow- billed magpie is common in a number of places west of the Sierra Nevada, in California. At Visalia, several were seen among the oaks, July 23, as well as along the route from that place to Three Rivers, July 25. Near Cottage post-office, in Tulare County, about half-way between these two places, the species was common Sep- tember 17. Mr. Nelson found it common in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, in August; and also among the oaks from La Panza to San Luis Obispo, October 28 and November 3; and from the latter place to the Santa Ynez River, beyond which places it was not noted. Cyanocitta stelleri. Steller's Jay. Steller's jay was met with along the coast of California, in two lo- calities only. Mr. Bailey found it common in the thick woods in the vicinity of Monterey, where he secured a pair, October 1; and Mr. Nel- son observed a few in the mountains near San Simeon in November. Record of specimens collected of Cyanocitta stelleri. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. Oct. 1. 1891 .. .do V.Bailey ....do do May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 69 Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. Blue-fronted Jay. The blue-fronted jay was not found in the desert ranges, although it was common in many places along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, in California. Mr. Nelson found it common at the head of Owens River at an altitude of from 2,500 to 2,900 meters (8,200 to 9,500 feet), and Mr. Stephens found it at Bishop Creek, August 4-10, and at Menache Mead- ows, May 24-20. The writer secured one among the pines above Walker Basin, July 14; found it common in Sequoia National Park the first week in August; at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13; in Kings River Canon, August 13-16; and Big Cottonwood Meadows, Round Val- ley, and Whitney Meadows, the last of the month. It was very common among the sugar and yellow pines at Soda Springs or Kern River Lakes, the first week in September. Mr. Dutcher found it common dur- ing the breeding season at Big Cottonwood Meadows, and Mr. Bailej^ and the writer found it common at Mineral King and down along the Kaweah River to the lower limit of the pines, in September. Mr. Palmer reported it common on Prazier Mountain, near Old Fort Tejon July 0. Record of specimens collected of Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 75 d d im. d im. 9 d im. $ June 7, 1891 V. steiih.-iis. Altitude 4 000 feet 141 Sierra Nevada, Calif do ■Tiilv 25. 1891 July 12, 1891 Aug. 3,1891 July 14, 1891 Aug. 7,1891 Sept. 3,1891 do 17 B. H. Dutcher. E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher ....do do Meadows. 390 Walker Basin, Calif. River. 409 Sierra Nevada, Calif do Sequoia National Part. Soil a Springs. 434 do Aphelocoma woodhousei. Wopjlhouse'a Jay. Woodhouse'sjay was found on all the desert ranges which furnish a growth of pifion or junipers. In California it was observed in the White Mountains, Inyo, Argus, Coso, and Panamint ranges; in Ne- vada, in the Charleston, Grapevine, Juniper, and Pahroc mountains, and in Utah, in the Beaverdam Mountains. In the latter part of June, young which were able to fly were found among the willows along the streams in the Panamint Mountains, north of Telescope Peak. Record of specimens collected of Aphelocoma woodhousei. Col- lector's Sex. Xo. j Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 39 147 172 d 9 d 9 9 im. 9 im. im. Grapevine Mountains, Nov. Panamint Mountains, Calif. do Mar. 24.1891 Mar. 29. 1891 Apr. 20, 1891 F. Stephens A. K. Fisher do Johnson Canon. 173 do . do . Do 355 do June 23, 1891 do do 356 do do . Inyo Mountains, Calif White Mountains, Calif .... June 27, 1891 July 8,1891 E. W. Nelson do 70 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Aphelocoma californica. California Jay. The California jay was not found east of the Sierra Nevada, it being- replaced in the desert ranges by Woodhouse's jay. Although abun- dant on the west slope of the main Sierra, it was common in few places on the east side. Mr. Stephens found it rather common on the latter slope at Independence Creek, June 18-23; at Menache Meadows, May 24-26; and Mr. Nelson, at the head of Owens River, in the latter part of July. The species was common in Cajon Pass in the San . Bernardino Mountains, January 2-3, where it was seen and heard among the chapar- ral at all times of the day. Dr. Merriam found it common in the Sierra Licbre, San Bernardino, Tejon, and Tehachapi ranges, as well as in the southern Sierra from Walker Pass southward. It was tolerably common on the west slope of Walker Pass, June 21 and July 2-3; in the valley of Kern River, June 21-22 and July 3-13; thence south- ward to Havilah and Caliente, June 23-24; and was abundant and noisy at Old Fort Tejon late in June and early in July. Dr. Merriam found it common in the coast ranges south of the San Bernardino plain, and in large numbers in the Granite Range between Twin Oaks and Escondido, Calif., early in July. In the San Joaquin Valley it was common at Visalia and up along Kaweah River to the lower edge of the pines, in August and Septem- ber, and a few were seen in the Sequoia National Park during the first week of August. Mr. Bailey found it common in the brush and open woods at Monterey, Calif., September 28 to October 9. Mr. Nelson reported this jay as abundant in the Tejon and Temploa mountains and around San Luis Obispo in October, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula, in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Aphelocoma californica. ( !ol lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 62 ? d V im. Owens Valley, Calif May 2!}, 1891 Walker Pass, Calif 1 July 3,1891 ilo „.| July 2,1891 Kern River, Calif | July 9, 1891 1 F. Stephens V. Bailey Olancha. 363 A. K. Fisher do Corvus corax siuuatus. Raven. Ravens were seen in more or less abundance in most, if uot all, of the localities visited by members of the expedition, from above timber line on the High Sierra to the bottom of Death Valley and the other desert valleys, and undoubtedly breed in all the desert ranges of southern California and Nevada-. Ravens were seen in Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains, and on the Mohave Desert during the first week in January. At Daggett fifty or more remained about the May, 1893. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 71 slaughter house feeding on the refuse. In Death Valley they were ob- served by every party that visited the place from the first week in Jan- uary to the last in June. In the Coso Mountains, two adults with their five young were seen flying high in the air May 25, the old birds being readily distinguished by their worn primaries. In Nevada they were common at Ash Meadows and Pahrump Valley, and at the latter place a pair was secured the last of February. Dr. Merriam observed one, together with a large nest, on the shelf of a high cliff in Vegas Wash, May 3. He found ravens tolerably common about the Bend of the Colorado, May 4, and saw several in the Valley of the Virgin, near Bunkerville, May 8; others in the Juniper Moun- tains, May 19; in Desert Valley, May 20, and in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-20. In Utah he found several pairs in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, May 11-15, and thence northward to Mountain Meadows, where several were seen May 17. Ravens were common all through Owens Valley. At Walker Basin flocks of several hundred were observed every day flying about the fields and roads, feeding on the grasshoppers which occurred in vast numbers there. All the specimens shot had nothing in their stomachs except the remains of these insects. Dr. Merriam and Mr. Palmer ob- served large numbers catching grasshoppers in the western part of the Mohave Desert, known as Antelope Valley, June 27-28, and near Gor- man Station no less than forty-four were seen catching grasshoppers on the grassy hillsides at one time. In the High Sierra ravens were seen at Menache, Whitney, and Big Cottonwood meadows, and at the head of Owens River. Mr. Nelson saw a few about Mount Pinos and at Buena Vista Lake in October, and found them sparingly along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula, in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Comix corax sinualua. Col lector's No. Sex. Locality. Pate. Collector. Remarks. 113 9 9 Lone Willow Spring, Calif Jan. 14,1801 Feb. 24,1891 ..do E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher do 114 do '. Corvus americanus. Crow. At one place only was the common crow seen by any member of the expedition east of the Sierra Nevada. In Pahrmnp Valley, Nevada, a flock of crows kept around the ranch during February and March. At Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, crows were common along the river bottoms, in flocks of from five to fifty, July 17-20. Crows were observed among the oaks at Visalia, July 23, and a flock of about one hundred was seen and a specimen secured near Three Rivers, the latter part of the same month. Dr. Merriam saw a flock of half a 72 NOKTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. dozen in Tehaehapi Valley, California, June 25, and Mr. Palmer found tliem common at Tejon ranch, where they were feeding on figs, early in July. At Monterey, Mr. Bailey heard them cawing* in the grounds of the Hotel Del Monte, September 28 to October 9. Mr. Nel- son found crows common in the San Joaquin Valley in October, along the route from San Simeon to Carpentaria, and in the Ojai Valley in November and December. Picicorvus columbianus. Clarke's Nutcracker. Clarke's crow was common in the High Sierra in California, as well as in a few of the higher desert ranges to the eastward. It was numerous about the camp in the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, in Feb- ruary. In the Panamint Mountains, California, a solitary individual was seen near the top of the ridge south of Telescope Peak, April 2, and on the north slope of the same peak several were heard, June 23. A pair was seen later in the same day which, from their actions, appeared to be parent and young. Mr. Nelson found it rather common among the Pinus flexlUs on the Inyo Mountains, and in the same belt of the White Mountains as well as on the plateau at the head of Owens Valley; and Mr. Stephens reported it common at Queen mine, in the White Mountains, Nevada, July 11-16. Along the eastern slope of the Sierra, it was abundant at Menache Meadows, May 24-26; at Kear- sarge Pass, June 18-23; at Bishop Creek, August 4-10; and from 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) altitude to timber line at the head of Owens Eiver the latter part of July; at Big Meadows and Horse Corral Meadows it was seen August 8-13; in Big Cottonwood Meadows it was very com- mon all summer; at Bound Valley, 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, August 28; and along the route from Soda Springs or Kern River Lakes to Mineral King, early in September. Mr. Nelson found it numerous among pinons on Mount Piiios the later part of October. Record of specimens collected of Picicorvus columbianus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. C3 421 d d 9 Sierra Nevada, Calif do May 27, 1831 Aug. 28, 1891 Aug. 28, 1891 Sept, 4,1891 A. K. Fisher . . . do Summit Meadows, near Olanclia Peak. Big Cottonwood Mead- ows. Round Valley. Soda Springs, Kern ltiver. 430 do do do Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. Pinon Jay. The pinon jay is more or less common on all the desert ranges of southern California and Nevada which are high enough to support a growth of pinons (Pinus monophylla), and was found iu a few places on the Sierra Nevada, though in limited numbers. Mr. Nelson found it breeding in the pinon belt in the Panamint, Inyo, White, and Grape- vine mountains, and Mr. Stephens saw a flock of a hundred or more in the latter range toward the end of March. May, 1893. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 73 The writer found it common in the Argus Range above Maturango Spring. The stomach and gullet of one shot at this place about the middle of May contained the kernels of the pine nut, which it evidently had picked up from the ground, as some of them had already sprouted. The species was common on the Coso Mountains the last half of May. Dr. Merriam saw it on Mount Ma grader and Gold Mountain, Nevada, early in June; in the Juniper Mountains, near the boundary between Nevada and Utah, May 18-19, and in the juniper belt on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, in Utah, May 11. Mr. Palmer saw a single bird in the Charleston Mountains among the tree yuccas, February 14. In the Sierra Nevada Mr. Nelson saw it at the head of Owens River, though it was not numerous, and Mr. Stephens observed it at Bishop Creek, August 4-10, and noted one individual at Benton, July 9-10. Record of specimens collected of Cyanoceplialus cyanoccphalus. Col- lector's Sex. No. 201 rf 206 d 207 d 233 V 249 * Locality. Argus Range, Calif do do do Coso Mountains. Calit Date. May 6,1891 Mav 8,1891 ....do May 12, 1891 May 23, 1891 Collector. A. K. Fisher. ...do ...do ...do ... do.. ....... Remarks. Maturango Spring. Do. Do. Do, Molothrus ater. Cowbird. Dr. Merriam saw several cowbirds in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15, and a few in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 22-20. The writer shot an adult male at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, June 20, which wTas the only one seen there. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Yellow-headed blackbirds were seen sparingly at a number of locali- ties. Mr. Bailey secured a specimen at Bennett Wells in Death Val- ley, April 1, and an individual came and alighted on the wagon while the party was at Darwin, in the Coso Valley, May 5. Di. Merriam saw a few about the spring at Yount's ranch in Pahrump Valley, Ne- vada, April 29, and a number in the valley of the lower Muddy, May 0. Others were seen by him in Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, near Panaca, May 19, and the species was said to breed in Pahranagat Val- ley, though he did not see it there, May 22-26. In the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, it was tolerably common about the junction of the Santa Clara with the Virgin, May 11-15. In Salt Wells Valley, Mr. Stephens saw a small flock at Eaymond Well, and at Borax Flat the last of April and first of May. At Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, one was seen among a flock of redwings in December, 1890. A num- ber were observed in June, and several small flocks among the tules and along the fence rows, August 22. The species was seen sparingly at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. 74 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Xanthocephalus xanthocepltalus. [No. 7. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 325 d ad. Death Valley, Calif Apr. 1,1891 June 9, 1891 V. Bailey A. K.i'isher Bennett Wella. ' ' Agelaius phceniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. The red- winged blackbird is probably resident in most if not all of the tule marshes in southern California and Nevada. A small tioek of eight or ten individuals was seen at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, daring the latter part of January; a single specimen was secured at Resting Springs, California, in February. In Nevada a large flock was found during March around the corral of Mr. George Watkins, at Ash Meadows, where the birds fed upon grain left by the stock. Mr. Nelson stated that several hundred of these birds came to roost each night in the tules growing near the main spring at Pahramp Ranch, February 1 2-28. Mr. Stephens found it common ia Oasis Valley, March 15-19, and at Grapevine Spring, California, the first week in April. Dr. Merriam saw it at Yount's ranch, in Pahramp Valley, April 29, and at the Bend of the Colorado, May 4. He found it breeding abundantly in the valley of the Muddy, in eastern Nevada, May 0; in Meadow Creek Valley, near Panaca, May 19; in Pahranagat Valley, May 23 and 24; in Oasis Valley, June 1; along the Santa Clara and Virgin, near St. George, Utah, May 14, and saw a few at the west end of Ante- lope Valley, near Gorman Station, California, June 28. At Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, Calif., several were seen April 20-24. In Owens Valley, Mr. Stephens found the species not common at Little Owens Lake, May 0-11; at Olancha May 10-23; abundant at Alvord, June 20-28; common at Bishop, June 30; at Fish Slough, July 2-3; at Morans, July 4-7; at Benton, July 9-10, and a few at Haway Meadows, May 12-14; and on the meadow at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. Mr. Nelson observed it at the head of Owens River up to an altitude of 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) daring the latter part of July, and found it abundant about the farms at Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, December, 1890, where the writer saw numbers which were breeding in the tule marshes, the following June; The same observer also found it common along the South Fork of the Kern River, California, July 3-11; and Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. Mr. Bailey saw flocks of redwings at Monterey, September 28 to October 9. Mr. Nelson found this species common and associated with A. gubemator about Buena Vista Lake in the San Joaquin Valley; in the wet places near San Fmigdio, and along the coast between San Simeon and Carpenteria. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 75 Record of specimens collected of Agelaius phw ulceus. Col- lector's Sex. No. 138 d d ad. 111 d ad. 303 d 317 d 118 d 124 9 8 Locality. Asli Meadows, Nev do Resting Springs, ( 'alii'. Owens Valley, Calif. Date. Mar. 18, 1831 ...do Feb. 14,1891 June 0,1891 do ." June 8.1891 do June 26, 1891 do Fune 28, 1891 Fresno, Calif Sept. 25, 1891 Collector. A. K. Fisher. E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher. ....do ....do F. Stephens . ....do V. Bailey Remarks. Lone Tine. Do. Alvm'd. Do. Agelaius gubernator. Bicolored Blackbird. A.ciiougli this species was common, if not abundant, in some locali- ties west of the Sierra Nevada, one specimen only was collected during the season, and this was shot by Mr. Stephens at Olancha, at the southern end of Owens Lake, California, June 11. Mr. Nelson found a few in the Ojai Valley in December; found it com- mon and associated with the common redwing on the border of Bueria Yista Lake in the San Joaquin Valley, near San Luis Obispo, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria, in November and December. Mr. Bekling recorded it from the Yosemite Valley. Stumella magna neglecta. Western Meadowlark. The meadowlark is a more or less common resident in most of the valleys in the desert region, as well as in those west of the Sierra Nevada. It was common and singing at San Bernardino, December 28-29, 1890, and was seen in Cajon Pass, January 1. In Death Valley it was not uncommon at Bennett Wells, near the old Eagle borax works, at Saratoga Springs, and at Furnace Creek, where it was common in the alfalfa fields the last of January. On the last trip to the valley Mr. Bailey and the writer found it not uncommon at Furnace Creek, June 19-21. The meadowlark was not uncommon at Resting Springs in the Amargosa Desert, the first half of February and April 27, and was common about the ranches at Ash Meadows and in Palirump and Vegas valleys, Nevada, in March. In the same State Dr. Merriam found it common in tbe sage-covered plateau of Mount Magruder, June 5-8; and in Oasis Valley, where it was abundant and singing in great numbers in the early evening, June 1. He also found it abundant and musical in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-26; along the valleys of the Virgin and lower Muddy May 6-8, and at Ash Meadows, May 30. In Utah it was common in alfalfa fields along the Lower Santa Clara, near its junction with the Virgin, May 11-15; thence northerly to Mountain Meadows and the Escalante Desert, May 17; and one was seen on the western side of tbe Beaverdam Mountains, May 10. In California Mr. Nelson observed a few pairs breeding on the table- land between Saline and Panamint valleys, at the base and among the pinons of the Inyo Mountains, and on the plateau at the head of Owens Valley, at the base of the White Mountains. In the Coso Valley and 76 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Mountains it was rare, only a few individuals being seen in May. It was common all through Owens Valley and on the lower part of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. It was common all along Kern River Valley, July 3-13; at Walker Basin, July 13-16; in Tehachapi Valley, June 25; at Old Fort Tejon the last of June; and at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. Mr. Bailey found it in flocks consisting of several hundred individuals at Monterey, September 28 to October 9, and Mr. Nelson reported it as common in the San Joaquin Valley, October 5-27, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpen- teria and Santa Paula in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Stumella magna neglect: Col- lector's Sex. No. 98 cf 69 9 84 d d 79 d Locality. Resting Springs. Calif. . Death Valley, Calif do .. do Owens Lake, Calif Date. Feb. 6,18S1 .Tan. 2:!, 189] Jan. 28,1891 June 19, 1891 June 9,1891 Collector. A.K. Fisher ...do ...do V. Bailey... F. Stephens . Remarks. Furnace Creek. Do. Do. Icterus parisorum. Scott's Oriole. Scott's oriole is one of a number of birds whose known range has been greatly extended by the observations of the different members of the expedition. It was first observed at the summit of Shepherd Canon in the Argus Range, Calif., May 1. All along the western slope of this range and in Coso Valley it was common, and males were in full song. On May 5 a female was secured, which contained an egg in the oviduct, and on May 7 a nest containing two eggs was found. It was placed on the lower side of a branch of a tree yucca about 8 feet from the ground, and was firmly attached to the bayonet-shaped leaves of the tree by threads of plant fiber and tough grasses. A number .of old nests were seen in many places through the valley. In the Coso Mountains it was also common up to the summit among the yuccas, junipers, and pinons, where, on May 27, a nest containing an egg and three young was found in a yucca in Mill Canon. Mr. Nelson found it breeding in the Inyo, Panamint, and Grapevine mountains in the pifion belt. On the eastern slope of the Inyo Moun tains, near Cerro Gordo, one was noted on June 15. On both slopes of the Panamint Mountains, near Cottonwood Canon, he found it ranging from the yucca belt up to the summit of the divide, and in the Grape- vine Mountains found it among the pinons. Everywhere he found it in pairs, the males singing from the tops of pinons. Above the 'charcoal kilns' in Wild Rose Canon in the Panamint Mountains, Mr. Bailey and the writer saw the species and heard the males singing, June 24-25. Mr. Stephens heard it near the Queen mine in the White Moun- tains, Nevada, July 11-16. In the same State Dr. Merriam secured specimens in the Charleston Mountains April 30, and in the Juniper May, 1893. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 77 Mountains, east of Panaca, May 19, when several pairs were seen mating. On Mount Magruder, Nevada, he found it tolerably common among the nut pines, where the birds seemed to be hunting for nesting sites, and were very difficult to approach. Several fine specimens were taken there June 4-11. The same observer found the species in the juniper belt of the Beaverdam Mountains, in Utah, May 10-11. In Walker Pass, on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, several were seen and one shot among the yuccas June 21, and another on the west- ern sk>i)e of the same pass in a Finns sabiniana July 2. Record of specimens collected of Icterus partsorum. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 196 243 261 9 d d d ? 9 d im ? 9 d d Argus Range, Calif. ......do....... do Coso Mountains, Calif do Panamint Mountains, Calif. do Walker Pass, Calif Charleston Mountains, Nov. Mount Magrmler, Nov do do May 5,1891 .May 9, 1891 May 11,1891 May 21,1891 May 27,1891 May 8, 1891 May 12,1891 June 21, 1891 Apr. 30, 1891 June 4,1891 ....do June S, 1891 A.K.Fisher T. S. Palmer ...do , A. K. Fisher ...do E. W. Nelson ...do C. Hart»Merriain ...do ...do ...do , ...do Mattiraugo Spring Do! Icterus bullocki. Bullock's Oriole. Bullock's oriole was tolerably common in several localities, where streams large enough to nourish a more or less extensive growth of trees were found. In Owens Valley it was common at Lone Pine, where a number of nests were observed in the willows, and several specimens secured, June 4-15. In the same valley, Mr. Stephens saw a solitary male at Little Owens Lake the first week in May; at Haway Meadows May 12-14; found the species rather common at Olancha May 10-23; comnfon and a nest containing young at the mouth of the canon at In- dependence Creek June 19; not common at Bishop, Fish Slough, and Morans July 1-7; and Benton July 9-10. Dr. Merriain saw one among the cottonwoods at Furnace Creek in Death Valley about the middle of April ; in the Amargosa Canon, and at Resting Springs, April 27. In Nevada, he saw it at Vegas Ranch, May 1; in the Valley of the Virgin and lower Muddy, May 0-8, and in Meadow Creek Valley, near Pan- aca, May 19. He found it tolerably common also in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, where it was breeding, May 11-15. On the western slope of the Sierra Nevada it was seen in Walker Pass, July 2; was common along the valley of the Kern June 22-23 and July 3-10; at Walker Basin July 13-10; and at Bakersfield July 17-20. It was common at Old Fort Tejon, and was seen in other parts of the Canada de las Uvas in June and July. Mr. Nelson saw it in the Yosemite Val- ley, and Mr. Bailey, along the Kaweah River, in August. 78 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Icterus bullocki. [*< o.7. Col- lector's Sex. No. d 297 d 298 d 309 d 322 cfad 323 cT" 324 9" 87 S ? Locality. Death Valley, Calif. . Owens Valley, Calif. do do do do do do Walker Pass, Calif. . Date. April 7, 1891 June j, 1891 ...do June 7, 1891 June 9,1891 ....do ... do June 12, 1891 July 3,1891 Collector. Romarta. V. Bailey A. K. Fisher. . . do do do do do F. Stephens V. Bailey Lone Pine. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Owens Lake. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Brewer's Blackbird. Brewer's blackbird was not a common species in many localities vis- ited by tlie expedition, either in the desert region or among the moun- tains. At San Bernardino a number of flocks were seen, together with redwings, December 29, 1890. A few individuals were found about the ranch at Furnace Greek, in Death Valley, in the latter part of Jan- uary, and at Besting Springs, in the Amargosa Desert, early in Feb- ruary. In Nevada a few were seen at Ash Meadows and in Pahrump and Vegas valleys, where they kept about inclosures and out-houses, in March. Dr. Merriam found it in the same valleys April 29-30; at the Bend of the Colorado May 4; at Bunkerville in the Virgin Valley, May 8; in Meadow Creek Valley near Panaca, May 19; and in Pah- ranagat Valley May 22. A few were seen at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, April 20-25; in Saline Valley the latter part of June, and on the plateau at the foot of the White Mountains in July. In Owens Val- ley it was common at Olancha June 29; at Alvord June 26-28; at Mor- ans July 4-7; at Benton July 9-10; rather common at Bishop Creek August 4-10; and a few were seen at Little Owens Lake May 0-11; at Haway Meadows May 12-14; and at Ash Creek May 30 to June 3. In the High Sierra it was common at Menache Meadows May 24-26; at the head of Owens Biver the latter part of July; at Whitney Meadows, where Mr. Nelson saw a flock of twenty or more sitting on the backs of sheep, August 30. A dozen or fifteen were seen at Trout Meadows September 7, and it was found breeding at Big Cottonwood Meadows during the summer. It was common in Walker Pass July 2; along the valley of the Kern July 3-13; at Walker Basin, where it was feeding on grasshoppers, July 13-16; and at Bakersheld, in the San Joaquin Valley, July J7-20. Dr. Merriam saw many catching grass- hoppers in Antelope Valley, at the west end of the Mohave Desert, June 27; found the species common in the Canada de las Uvas June 27-28; and saw a few in the San Marcos Valley, San Diego County, July 1-10. Mr. Bailey found it common at Monterey September 28 to October '.»; aud Mr. Nelson saw flocks in San Joaquin Valley, and found it gen- M.w. 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 9 erally distributed along the route from Sail Simeon to Carpeuteria, in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Scoleeophagits cyanocephalus. Col- lector's No. Sex. .Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 77 82 9 9 Death Valley, Calif do :. Jan. 25.1891 Jan. 27,1891 A.K.Fisher do ..i Furnace Creek. Do. Coccothraustes vespertinus moiitanus. Western Evening Grosbeak. The evening grosbeak was seen but once by the expedition. Mr. Bailey saw a small flock at Auburn, Calif., and secured two specimens October 22. Record of specimens collected of Coccothraustes rcspcrtinus montanus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. cf Auburn. Tlacer Co., Calif Oct. 22, 1891 $ do I do Collector. V. Bailey. ...do ..... Remarks. Pinicola enucleator. Pine Grosbeak. Mr. Nelson saw a tine adult male pine grosbeak in brilliant plumage on the head of the San Joaquin River July 30. This individual was the only one seen during the year. Carpodacus purpureus californicus. California Purple Finch. Not obtained by any member of the expedition. Mr. Henshaw secured a siugle specimen near Mount Whitney, Calif., October 10, 1875. Carpodacus cassini. Cassin's Purple Finch. Cassius purple finch was seen only in the higher parts of the White and Inyo mountains, and in the Sierra Nevada. Mr. Nelson saw two pairs in the Pirvm flexilis belt on Waucoba Peak, in the Inyo Mountains, during the latter part of June, and secured two specimens at about 2,650 meters (8,700 feet) altitude in the White Mountains July 7. The same observer found it very abundant on the eastern slope, from 2,500 to 2,900 meters (8,200 to 9,500 feet) at the head of Owens River, and also at the head of the San Joaquin River, on the western slope. It was also observed or secured at the following places in the High Sierra : at Horse Corral Meadows, August 11 ; at Cottonwood Meadows during the summer and as late as September 1; at Round Valley, which is 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, August 26-28; at Menache Meadows May 21-26; at Whitney Meadows the latter part of August, and near Mineral King during the latter part of August and early September, 80 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Carpodacus cassini. [No. 7. Col- lector's Sex. No. d im. d 137 d d im. 1 d 7 d 420 ? im. 432 d im. d im. Locality. Wliito Mountains, Calif do Sierra Nevada, Calif. do .do .do .do .do .do Date. July 7,1891 ....do July 22, 1891 Aug. 11, 1891 June 19, 1891 June 23. 1891 Aus. 2 J, 1891 Aug. 30. 1891 Aug. 1,1891 Collector. E. TV. Nelson. ...do F. Stephens . . T. S. Palmer. . B. H. Dutcher ...do A. K. Fisher.. ...do V. Bailey Item arks. Horse Corral Mead- ows. Big Cottonwood Meadows. Do. Do. Whitney Meadows. East Fork of Kaw- eah River, Calif. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. House Finch. The house finch was found wherever water was present in all locali- ties visited by the expedition, except in the higher mountains among the pines, and undoubtedly bred wherever found. There was no other species of bird, with the possible exception of the dove, whose presence was so indicative of the nearness of water as the one under considera- tion. The writer never saw it more than a few hundred yards from water, except when flying high overhead. After leaving Daggett on the Mohave Desert, Calif., house finches were seen at all the springs or water holes on the road to Death Valley. At Granite Wells flocks were found about the water at all times of day. In Death Valley a few were seen at Bennett Wells and between that place and Furnace Creek during the latter part of January. Dr. Merriam saw it at the latter place about the middle of April, and Mr. Bailey and the writer found it at both places on their last trip to the valley, June 19-22. In the Pauamint Mountains it was abundant in Johnson, Surprise, and Emigrant canons, in April; at Willow Creek and Cottonwood Creek, in May; aud in Wild Rose and Death Valley canons, in June. In the Argus Range, the species was very abundant in Shepherd Canon and at Maturango Spring, where it bred commonly, as it did in the Panamint Mountains. As many as a dozen nests were found from April 25 to May 1, in various situations. A few were placed in crevices in the rocky sides of the caiion, while the majority were in bushes on the sloping hillsides, from one to several feet above the ground. The nests among the rocks were more compact, as they contained a larger amount of lining than those in the bushes, which in many cases were very loosely put together. The full complement of eggs in the different nests was four, five, and six. The species Avas common in the Coso, Inyo, and White mountains. It was everywhere common in Owens Valley from the lower to the upper part. In this valley, both at Independence and Lone Pine, the species was found to be very destructive to the ripened peaches during the middle of August. Flocks of birds occurred iu the orchards, and in some May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 81 places hardly an example of the ripe fruit could be found which was not more or less mutilated. A number of birds shot in the peach or- chards at Lone Pine had little except the pulp of this fruit in their gul- lets or stomachs. It was known as the 'peach bird.' It was common all along the route from Walker Pass, through the valley of Kern River, Walker Basin and Bakersneld to Visalia, June 21-23, and July 1 to 23, and at Old FortTejon late in June and early in July. It was seen at Ash Meadows and Pahrump Valley, Nevada, in March. In the same State, Br. Merriam noted it among the cotton- woods at Yount's ranch in Pahrump Valley, April 29; at Mountain Spring, in the Charleston Mountains, and at Upper Cottonwood Springs near the east base of these mountains, April 30; near the summit of the Timpahute Mountains in tree yuccas, May 20; at Quartz Spring, on the west side of the Desert Mountains, May 27; at the Bend of the Colorado, May 4, and on Gold Mountain where a young one just able to fly was caught June 3, at an altitude of about 1,080 meters (G,500 feet). It was common in Tule Canon June 4, and thence up to the plateau on top of Mount Magruder. In Arizona, he found it common at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, May 0-10; in Utah, in the juniper belt of the Beaverdam Mountains, May 10-11, and at St. George, in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, May 11-15, where it was called ' peach bird ' by the Mormons. Two nests were fouud at St. George, one in a cotton- wood and the other in an arborescent ( actus. Mr. Nelson found the species in small numbers in the Canada de las Uvas, at San Emigdio Creek, and in the Temploa Mountains, and rather common about the ranches in the San Joaquin Valley in October. It was common along the route from San Simeon to Carpentcria, among the farms along the coast, and not uncommon between the latter place and Santa Paula in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Carpodaeus mexiceums frontalis. Col- lector's Sex. No. 45 d 13 d d 158 d 159 V 187 V 231 d 232 d d d 348 ¥ LocalHy. Dai Dato. ^t, Calif Jan. 9,1891 Tdo Feb. 8,1891 rauamint Mountains, Calif . . Mch. 28, 1891 do ' Apr. 13,1891 do ....do Aru'us Raugo, Calif I Apr. 27,1891 .do ' ' May 12, 1891 do do do do do do Collector. A. K. Fisher . F. Stephens . . E. W. Nelson. A. K. Fisher . ...do ...do ...do ...do T. S. Palmer. . ..do Death Valley, Calif I June 21, 1891 A. K. Fisher .. Remarks. Johnson Canon. Surprise Caliou. Do. Xest ami eggs. Maturaiigo Spring Do. Do. Do. Furnace Creek. lioxia curvirostra stricklandi. Mexican Crossbill. Crossbills were uncommon and seen only in the Sierra Nevada. At Big Cottonwood Meadows Dr. Merriam saw them just below timber line June 18, and towards the end of the season Mr. Dutchcr saw a few and shot a pair. Mr. Nelson saw some on the west slope opposite the head 12731— No. 7 G. 82 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. of Owens River in August. At Horse Corral Meadows a noisy flock passed our camp August 12. Mr. Bailey saw the species at Whitney Meadows, and it was heard at Soda Springs or Kern River Lakes, Sep- tember 5. Record of specimens collected of Loxia curvlroslra stricMandi. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 9 Siena Nevada, Calif do Aug. 20. 1891 Aug. 28, 1891 Aug. 22, 1891 V. Bailey flo WhitneyMeadows. 34 ...,lo B. H. Butcher.... Big Cottonwood Meadows. Leucosticte tephrocotis. Gray-crowned Leucosticte. A very interesting discovery made by the expedition was that the gray-crowned finch is a common summer resident in the higher portions of the White Mountains and the Sierra Nevada in eastern and southern California. The knowledge that this bird breeds as stated, makes its distribution in relation to the other species of the genus a little more clear. In the Rocky Mountain region Lcncosticte atrata is the northern and L. australis the southern representative, just as Leucosticte t. littoralis is the northern race of L. tephrocotis of the'more western range. Mr. Nelson found the gray crowned finch breeding abundautly on the White Mountains, the only range except the Sierra Nevada on which the species was seen. 'It was found above timber line about the bases of the main peaks at an elevation from 3,350 to 3,050 meters (11,000 to 12,000 feet). He found the birds easy of approach as they were feeding on seeds and insects about the border of the melting snowdrifts. . The warm west wind coming from over Owens Valley brought many insects which became benumbed by the cold and fell on the snowdrifts. These the birds devoured eagerly, and Mr. Nelson saw them pursue and tear to pieces several grasshoppers on the surface of the snow. The condition of the skin on the abdomen showed that they were incubating and that both sexes shared in this labor, lie noticed when skinning the birds that they had a double craw. One located in the usual place and the other in the form of a double gular sac divided by a median constriction. The latter when full hangs down like a lobe of bare skin outside of the feathers. In the Sierra Nevada the same observer saw the species about tim- ber line at the head of Owens River on the eastern slope, and at the same altitude on Kern, Kings, and Kawrah rivers on the western slope. Mr. Stephens found it abundant about the lakes at the head of Inde- pendence Creek, where it was breeding June 18-23, and also saw three above timber line at Menache Meadows, May 24-2(5. Mr. Du.tch.er saw several flocks and secured a few specimens at and above nimber line at May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 83 Big Cottonwood Meadows, during the summer. Mr. Bailey found it common all along timber line and down among the Pinus balfouriana at Whitney Meadows. The writer did not see the species until August 18, when a nock of forty or more was seen on the west side of the Kear- sarge Pass. Later in the day, during a snow storm, a flock was seen just below timber line on the east side of the Pass, and five specimens secured. The bad weather seemed to make them restless and hard to approach. At Bound Valley, 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, the species was again seen just above timber line, August 28, and on the ridge north of Mineral King large flocks were seen September 8-11. Record of specimens coltected of Leueosticte tephrocotis. Col- lector'a No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d 9 9 9 9 ? 9 9 d 9 ira 9 im ■ d 9 9 d iru d 9 im d im 9 im d White Mountains, Calif. . do July 15, 1891 ....do E. W. Nelson do do ....do ... do do ....do .. do do ....do .. do do do do ....do do ....do do do do do do do do ....do do do ....do ...do do do .. do do ....do do do do .. do do do .. do ......do do ...do . do do .. do do do do do do .. do do do do do do .. do do do ...do 417 Sierra Nevada. Calif do July 25, 1891 Aug. 18, 1891 do E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher . do Summit of Mammoth Pass, Cal. Kearsarge Pass, 11,000 feet altitude. Do 418 do 419 do do ... . do Do 112 do June 22, 1891 do F. Stephens do Independence Creek, 10.000 feet. Do 113 do 114 do •- do .. do Do 115 do do ... do Do 19 do July 30, 1891 Aug. 2,1891 Aug. 20, 1891 Aug. 28, 1891 Aug. 23, 1891 Aug. 7,1891 B.H. Dutcher.... ...do .. Big Cottonwood Mead- ows. Do. 25 do do V. Bailov Do 429 do A. K. Fisher F. Stephens V. Bailey Bound Valley, above timber line. Olancha Peak, 12,000 feet altitude. 161 do do feet altitude. Leueosticte atrata. Black Leueosticte. Mr. Bailey secured one specimen of this species at St. George, Utah, January 21, 1889. It was feeding alone on a rocky hill, among low brush. Spinus tristis. Goldfinch. A common species throughout southern California, though not re- corded by any member of the expedition. 84 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Spinus psaltria. Arkansas Goldfinch. The Arkansas goldfinch was observed in a number of localities throughout the mountain and desert regions visited. At San Bernar- dino a flock of eight or ten was seen feeding on the seeds of a wild sun- flower, December 28, 1890. Small flocks were seen in Cajon Pass, Jan- nary 2, again March 20-30, and in the cotton woods bordering the Mohave River near Victor, March 30. In Nevada, it was not uncommon at Ash Meadows in March; at Queen station and mill in the White Mountains, July 11-16. Dr. Merriam found it at Upper Cottonwood Springs at the east base of the Charleston Mountains, April 30; at the Bend of the Colorado River, May 4; and iu Pahranagat Valley, where it was breeding commonly, May 23. At the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, Arizona, and on the west side of the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, he saw several May 9-10. As no specimens were taken for identification, the Arizona and Utah rec- ords may apply to Spinus psaltria arizonce. In the Panimint Mountains it was common in Johnson and Surprise canons, and in the latter place Mr. Albert Koebele found a nest, just completed, April 23. In the same mountains Mr. Nelson found it a com- mon breeding species in Cottonwood, Mill Creek, and Willow Creek canons. In the Argus Range it was common in Shepherd Canon, where a nest and four eggs were taken April 27, and at Maturango Spring the first half of May. At Coso Mountains a few were seen along the streams in the canons, the last of May. Mr. Nelson found it common in the Grapevine Mountains, and rather common in the Inyo Mountains, in willow patches along the streams up to the pinons, the latter part of June. Goldfinches were common at the head of Owens River, abundant in the Yosemite, and from the base up to the nut-pines in the White Mountains. The were more or less common in Owens Valley from the lower end, at Little Owens Lake, northward to Benton and the foot of the White Mountains. A few were seen in Walker Pass, July 2-3 ; the species was common along the South Fork of Kern River, July 3-10; in Walker Basin, July 13-16; and at Bakcrsfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. In the High Sierra Dr. Merriam saw the species near Big Cottonwood Meadows, June 18, and the writer observed a flock near the abandoned sawmill in Sequoia National Park, August 1. Mr. Palmer reported it common at Old Fort Tej on during the first half of July ; Mr. Stephens found it rather common at Reche Canon Septem- ber 22-21, and Mr. Bailey saw it in flocks at Monterey September 28 to October 9. It was common at Three Rivers July 25-30, and along the route from Mineral King to that place September 12-15. Mr. Nelson found it common and generally distributed betweeu San Simeon and Carpenteria and Santa Paula, in November and December. May. 1893.1 BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 85 Record of specimens collected of Spinus psaltria. Col- lector's S< x:. Xo. 7 188 193 2:7 368 371 Locality. Date. San Bernardino, Calif ! Dec. 28, 1890 Argus Range, Calif April27, 1891 do A.pril29, 1891 do May 13, 1891 Walker Pass, Calif July 3,1891 Kern River, Calif July 4,1891 Pahranagat Valley. Nevada ... May 23,1891 Santa Clara, TJtau May 11,1891 Collector. Remarks. A. K. Fisher ■ --■do Shepherd Canon, nesl and 4 eggs. do Shepherd Canon. do Maturaugo Sprinjr. ....do do .South Fork. C. liar; Miiiiain . V. Bailey Spinus psaltria arizonae Arizona Goldfinch. This subspecies was found breeding in great abundance in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, by Dr. Merriam. Five nests with fresh eggs were found, and one with eggs nearly ready to hatch. May 11-15. In California Mr. Bailey secured a specimen from a flock at Three Eivers, in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Sep- tember 15. Spinus lawrencei. Lawrence's Goldfinch. Dr. Merriam reported Lawrence's goldfinch as common in the Canada de las Uvas, June 28-29, and in the Granite Range in western San Diego County, July 1-10. Mr. Palmer saw a male near Old Fort Tejon, June 30, and shot one in the cafion July G. A specimen was secured in Walker Basin July 16, and an individual was seen among the oaks above it, July 14. These are all the records we have for the species. Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin. At two places only was this species seen by members of the expedi- tion, both in the High Sierra in California. Mr. Nelson saw it at the head of the San Joaquin River, in August, and the writer observed a flock of a dozen or fifteen near timber line above Mineral King, Sep- tember 10. The birds were feeding upon seeds on or near the ground, and when flushed alighted on a pine branch within a few feet of the ob- server. Poocaetes gramineus confinis. Western Vesper Sparrow. The vesper sparrow was seen in comparatively few places on either side of the Sierra Nevada. At Ash Meadows, Nevada, it was not un- common in migration March 10, and a fe^v were seen by Mr. Bailey at Vegas Ranch, March 10-13. Mr. Nelson found a few among the sage brush above the pifions in the Inyo Mountains, in June; not uncommon on the White Mountains, and on the plateau at the head of Owens Valley, in July; and common at the head of Owens River, in the same month. Dr. Merriam found the species at Mountain Meadows, Utah, May 17. A single specimen was seen near Visalia, Calif., September 17, a few near the lower end of the Canada de las Uvas and San Emigdio Canon, and on the Carrizo Plain, in San Joaquin Valley, in October. 86 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus. Western Savanna Sparrow. This little sparrow was found nowhere common, though it breeds sparingly in various localities throughout the desert regions. The writer found it not uncommon in the alfalfa fields at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, in the latter part of January, and Dr. Merriam found a few at the same place April 9-12, but Mr. Bailey and the former observer did not detect it on their last trip to the valley, June 19-1*2. Mr. Nelson found a few at Saratoga Springs, in the lower end of the valley, late in January. A few were seen at Resting Spring, Cali- fornia early in February; a number of specimens were secured in the wet meadows at Ash Meadows, Nevada, during the first three weeks of March; and Mr. Nelson found it not uncommon about wet ground in Pahrump and Vegas valleys and in Vegas Wash March 3-16. Dr, Merriam shot one at the Great Bend of the Colorado May 4; one in Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, May 19, and a number in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 22-20. In Owens Valley the writer found it not uncommon and breeding among the salt grass at Owens Lake May 30 to June 1, and at Lone Pine June 4-15: and Mr. Stephens found it not uncommon at Olancha, May 10-23; Alvord, June 20-28; and Morans, July 4-7. A pair was seen by Mr. Nelson at the head of Owens Valley near the White Mountains about the middle of July, and by the writer at Three Rivers, in the western foothills, September 10. It was common along the coast from San Simeon to Santa Barbara, and a few were seen near Carpenteria in December. Record of specimens collected of Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus. Col- c tor's Sox. No. ? d d V 119 V 120 V 129 ¥ d 106 d V 79 V 91 d 92 d 179 9 SJ83 V 291 d 01 d 88 d 10.1 9 292 d V Locality. Date. GreatBendof Colorado River, KTev May 4,1891 Paurump Valley, Nev Feb. 17,1891 Ash Meadows, Nev Mar. 4,1891 do do do Mar. 8,1881 do Mar. 9,1891 do I Mar. 15,1891 do ! Mar. 19, 1891 Resting Springs, Calif I Feb. 11,1891 Death Valley, Calif Jan. 31, 1891 do Jan. 26, 1891 do- I Jan. 31,1891 do ! do Panamint Valley, Calif .. .' ' Apr. 23,1891 Owens Valley, Calif June 2,1891 do ' June 3, 1891 do May 22,1891 do June 12, 1891 do June 15,1891 do June 5,1891 Fresno, Calif Sept, 25, 1891 Collector. Remarks. Hart Merriam. . W. Kelson . . .do .do . K. Fisher — do .do W. Nelson .. . X. Fisher... W. Nelson Saratoga Spring K. Fisher Furnace CreekT .do | Do, do | Do. .do Hot Springs. -do Keeler. .do Stephens. .. .do .do K.Fisher.. W. Nelson. Do. ( •hineha, Do. Do. Lone Pine. Ammodrarrms sandwichensis bryanti. Bryant's Marsh Sparrow. Mr. Nelson found Bryant's sparrow common along the coast from Santa Barbara to Carpenteria during the first half of December. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 87 Record of specimen collected of Ammodranius sandwichensis bryanti. Col- lectors No. Sex. Locality. C npent< n i Calif do do Dec. 18, 1891 ...do ...do Collector. Remarks. E. W.Nelson ...do ...do Chondestes grammacus strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow. The western lark sparrow is a characteristic inhabitant of the Upper Sonoran and Transition Zones and was not found in the Lower Sonoran Zone, except west of the Sierra Nevada, and during migration. It was a common species in Owen's Valley from the lower end northward, and was breeding wherever found. The writer found it abundant along the South Fork of Kern River, at Kernville, and in Walker Basin during the first half of July. In the San Joaquin Valley it was abundant at Bakersfleld, and all along the route to Visalia, duly 17-23, and at Three Rivers, July 25-30 and September 14-17. Dr. Merriam furnished the following notes on the species: "In Ne- vada it was common throughout the sage brush on the rolling plateau that forms the northward continuation of the Juniper Mountains, May 18, and in Desert and Pahranagat valleys, May 20-20. In Pahranagat Valley it was particularly abundant, breeding and in full song. It was common in the north part of Oasis Valley, June 1, but was not observed at the southern end of this valley. On Mount Magruder a few were seen in the sage brush June 5. Others were found at Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains and at Upper Cottonwood Springs at the east base of these mountains, April 30; and in the Valley of the Muddy, May 6. Several were seen in the lower edge of the junipers on both sides of the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah, May 10 and 11. It was found also in the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15, and was common in Mountain Meadows, Utah, May 17. In Owens Valley, California, it was common in the sage brush of the Upper So- noran Zone, June 10-19, and in Antelope Valley at the west end of the Mohave Desert, June 27-28. On the west slope of the Sierra Nevada it was abundant in the valley of Kern River, where full-grown young were conspicuous, June 22-23. It was seen in the Tehachapi Valley, June 25, and in the Canada de las Uvas, June 28-29, where full-grown young were common." Mr. Nelson found it rather common in the Canada de las Uvas and San Emigdio Canon, at various places in San Joaquin Valley and about the borders of the foothills, in October, and in the more open country along the route from San Simeon to Carpentaria, in November and part of December. NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Chondestes grammacus strigatas. [No. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 307 9 J 9 Owens Valley, Calif June 6, 1891 do A. K. Fisher do 308 Do. 320 ...do... Juno 9, 1891 do Do. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow. The white-crowned sparrow was a common summer resident in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains, but was not found in any other locality, even as a migrant — at least specimens were not taken else- where. There is uncertainty as to the race which breeds among the piilons in the Inyo Mountains, as no specimens were collected there. Mr. Nelson found the white-crowned sparrow on the plateau at the head of Owens Valley, and thence up to near timber line in the White Moun- tains, and Mr. Stephens saw it at the Queen mill and mine, Nevada, in the same range, July 11-16. Along the eastern slope of the Sierra it was commou at the head of Owens River, the last of July ; rather common at Menache Meadows, May 24-26; Onion Lake on Independence Creek, June 18-23; and at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. Mr. Dutcher found it very common among the willows at Big Cottonwood Meadows, where nests were taken. Mr. Palmer saw a nest containing three eggs near Mount Silliman, August 7, and Mr. Belding found the species in the Yo- semite. White-crowned sparrows were common in flocks at Whitney Meadows, September 1, Farewell Gap, September 8, and from timber line above Mineral King down along the Kaweah River to below the pines, September 10-12. Record of specimens collected of Zonotrichia leucophrys. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 148 116 7 9 d d 9 9 d cfim do Aug. 8,1891 June 22, 1891 July 31, 1891 July 10,1891 Aug. 26, 1891 July 7,1891 July 13, 1891 July 19, 1891 Aug. 25, 1891 I\ Stephens do Bishop Creek. do V. Bailev - Creek. 1C2 White Mountains do E. W. Nelson B. H. Dutcher.... do Mulkey Meadows, do :. . Meadows. Do do do Do 422 do A. K. Fisher Do Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia. Intermediate Sparrow. The intermediate sparrow was found as a migrant or winter resident only, through the desert regions, where it was often abundant among the mesquite or other thickets. In Cajon Pass it was very common Jan- uary 1-2, and again March 30. In the Mohave Desert it was common at Hesperia January 4, and about Stoddard Wells January 0. In Death Valley it was commou about Furnace Creek ranch the last of MAY.1S93.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 89 January and April 9-12, and at Besting Springs the first half of Feb- ruary and April 27. At the latter place the flocks became very tame and came into camp to pick up the crumbs. It was common about the ranch and among- the mesquite at Ash Meadows, ISTev., during the greater part of March, and Mr. Nelson found it abundant at Pahrump and Vegas ranches and among the juni- pers in the Charleston Mountains during the same month. Dr. Merriam found it common at Leach Point Spring, Calif., April 25; at Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains. New, April 30; in the Valley of the Virgin near P>unkerville, May 8, and a few tardy migrants in Pahranagat Valley May 22-26. In the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, the subspecies was still tolerably common May 11-15. In the Panamint Mountains it was common in Johnson, Surprise, and Emigrant canons in April, and Mr. Nelson found a few late migrants on Willow Creek the last of May. The sparrow was abundant among the mesquite at Hot Springs, Panamint Valley, April 20-25; a few were seen at Searl's garden, near the south end of the Argus Kange, about the same time, and a few in Shepherd Canon as late as May 1. In the latter place Mr. Nelson reported it very common in January. Mr. Stephens found it rather common in the lower end of Oasis Valley, New, March 15-10, and at Grapevine Spring, Calif., April 1-1. A few were observed by Mr. Nelson about the Canada de las TTvas and San Emigdio Canon in October, and along the coast from San Simeon to Carpeuteria in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Zonotrichia leneophrtjs intermedia. Col- lector's Sex. No. 26 $ ira. 27 ? 38 d 6 d 68 9 67 d 81 d im. 105 9 123 d 137 ? ? d d d 2 9 d 43 2 ? Locality. C.tjou Pass, Calif do Hesperia, Calif Daggett, Calif Death Valley. Calif do do Resting; Springs, Calif Ash Mo tdows, Calif do \. Panamint Mountains, Calif .. do do Panamint Valley, Calif do : do do Argus Range, Calif Carpeuteria, Calif Date. Jan. 2,1891 ...do Jan. 4,1891 Feb. 7,1891 Jan. 23,1891 ...do .: Jan. 27,1891 Felt. 10, 1891 Mar. 11,1891 Mar. 19. 1 S31 Mar. 29,1891 ....do ....do Apr. 22. 1S91 Apr. 23,1891 do Apr. 14,1891 Apr. 22.1891 Dec. 18,1891 Collector. Remarks. A. K. Fisher . do Stephens . K. Fisher i Furnace Crco'.:. .do Do. do Do. .do .do .do W . Xelson Johnson Canon. .do Do. .do Do. .do Rot Spring. .do i Do. .do ; Do. . Bailey Emigrant Spring Stephens | Borax Flat. . W. ^Nelson Zonotrichia leucophrys gambsli. Gambel's Sparrow. Gambel's sparrow was not met with east of the Sierra Nevada, and on the western side as a migrant only. Mr. Bailey found it abundant at Monterey the first week in October, and Mr. Nelson reported it common in the San Joaquin Valley wherever a vigorous growth of bushes or weeds afforded attractive shelter. Along the route from 90 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Xo. ' San Simeon to Carpentaria and Santa Paula it was abundant during November and December. Zonotrichia coronata. Golden-crowned .Sparrow. The golden-crowned sparrow was found by Mr. Nelson to be abundant and generally distributed along the coast from San Simeon to Oarpen- teria and Santa Paula during November and December. This is the only region where the species was noted. Zonotrichia albicollis. White-throated Sparrow. Mr. Nelson secured a male specimen of the white-throated sparrow at the mission of Santa Ynez, December G, 1891, which makes the fourth record for California. Spizella monticola ochracea. Western Tree Sparrow. The only place where the tree sparrow was seen was Pahrump ranch, Nevada, Avhere Mr. Nelson found quite a number in the willow thickets, the latter part of February. They appeared cpiite suddenly one morn- ing before a storm, which filled the valley with rain and covered the mountains with snow. Spizella socialis arizonae. Western Chipping Sparrow. The chipping sparrow was not found to be a common migrant in the valleys, though it was more or less common as a summer resident in the mountains, from the pifions and junipers up to and among the other coni- fers. A number were seen in the cultivated fields about San Bernardino, December 28-29, 1890. Mr. Nelson saw a few on the Panamint Moun- tains the latter part of May and found the species breeding on the Grape vine Mountains, June 10-11. A few were seen about Maturango Spring, where the males were in full song, May 13-14. The species was found up to timber line in the White Mountains, and was common at the head of Owens Kiver, in the Sierra Nevada. Dr. Merriam found it on the north slope of Telescope Peak in the Panamint Mountains, April 17-19; among the junipers in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada, May 18; and among the pifions on Mount Magruder, Nevada, June 5. In Walker Basin it was common among the pines above the valley, July 14, and Mr. Palmer found it quite common at Old Fort Tejon about the same time. In the High Sierra it was common in the Sequoia National Park the first week in August; at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13; in Big Cottonwood Meadows during the summer and fall; at Whitney Mead- ows, the first week in September ; at Mineral King, near timber line, September 9-11; and along the Kaweah River, from Mineral King to the valley, September 11-13. Record of specimens collected of Spizella sociailis arizoiuv. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Colletcor. Kim arks. 1 108 d 9 d mi. San Bernandino, Calif Sierra. Nevada, Calif do Dec 28,1890 Aug. 22, 1891 Aug. 29, 1891 A. K. Fisher.... F. Stephens V.Bailey Olancha Peak. Whitney Meadows. May. 1803.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 91 Spizella breweri. Brewer's Sparrow. Brewer's sparrow was a common species throughout the desert re- gions during- migration, and bred in most of the mountain ranges among the sagebrush. A number were seen in Vegas Wash, March 10-13, and the species arrived at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 17. Mr. Nelson reported it as a common breeding species among the sage, both in the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, during the latter part of May and first of June. Many of its nests were found, usually con- taining four eggs, and built in a sage bush a couple of feet from the ground. On the north side of Telescope Peak Dr. Merriam found it common among the sage, April 17-19, and Mr. Bailey and the writer observed it near the same place, June 22-25. It was not uncommon at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, April 20-23; several were seen at Leach Point Spring, April 25; and one was shot in the northwest arm of Death Valley, April 13. In Nevada Dr. Merriam found it tolerably common in parts of Pah- rump Valley, April 29, and at Mountain Spring, in the Charleston Mountains, April 30. He reported it as common in the sage brush on the plateau of the Juniper Mountains; in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-20; on Gold Mountain, June 3; in Tule Canon, June 4; and thence up to the summit of Mount Magruder, where it was the commonest bird on the sage plateau, June 4-11, breeding abundantly, and exteuding thence northerly into Fish Lake Valley. In Utah Dr. Merriam did not see it in the low St. George Valley, but found it common in the upper part of the Santa Clara Valley, May 16, beginning with the sagebrush about 8 miles north of St. George and continuing northward to Mountain Meadows and the Escalaute Desert, where several nests were found, May 17. In the Beaverdam Mountains it was tolerably common throughout the sage and junipers, May 10. Beturning to California,, in the Argus Range, the species was com- mon in Shepherd Canon, and was breeding commonly at Maturango Spring, from the summit of the range to the bottom of Coso Valley, early in May. In the Coso Mountains it was common, and a number of nests containing eggs were found during the latter part of May. Mr. Nelson found the species rather common in the Inyo Mountains, from the sage up to the summit in the White Mountains, and at the head of Owens River in the Sierra Nevada. In Owens Valley it was com- mon throughout the summer, especially along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, where Mr. Stephens noted it in a number of places, even as high as Menache Meadows. It was common on the western slope of Walker Pass, June 21 and July 2-3, and in Kern River Val- ley, June 22-23 and July 11-13. Mr. Palmer reported it as tolerably common in the sagebrush among the piuons at Old Fort Tejon, July 9. 92 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Spizella hrcweri. [No. 7. Col- lector's Sex. No. 130 d rf 9 4G cf 203 cf 213 cf 81 9 105 cf i«i Locality. Ash Meadows, Nev .....do Panamint Valley, Calif Panamint Mts.. Calif Arg'^i Range, Calif do Owens Lake, Calif do Date. Mar. 17,1801 Mar. 18, 1801 Apr. 22, 1891 Apr. 10, 1891 May 6,1891 May 8,1891 June 10, 1891 J une 15, 1891 Collector. A. K. Fisher LAV. kelson ...do F. Stephen s. A.K.Fisher ...do F. Stephens. ....do Remarks. Hut Springs. Maturango Springs. Do. Spizella atrigularis. Blaclc-chjnnctl Sparrow. The black-ckinued sparrow is one of a number of species whose known range was much extended by the observations of the expedi- tion. It was first observed in Johnson Canon in the Panamint Range, where an adult male was seen among the junipers, April 0. In Sur- prise Canon, of the same rauge, the species was first seen April 15, when two specimens were secured, and subsequently it became common. The song, which was frequently heard, resembles closely that of the Eastern field sparrow (Spizella gusilla). At Maturango Spring, in the Argus Range, a male was seen among the sage (Artemisia tridentata) on May 12, and a female was secured among the willows near the spring, which had an egg in the oviduct, almost ready for expulsion, May 15. In the Coso Mountains the species was not uncommon, and on May 27 a female with her nest and three eggs was secured. The nest was situated in a small bush about two feet from the ground, on a gradually sloping hillside bearing a scattered growth of pifion. On the west side of Owens Valley Mr. Stephens heard several sing- ing on Independence Creek, near the Eex Monte mill, and secured a speci- men June 20. On the western slope of Walker Pass a specimen was secured in one of the canons, as it was washing at a pool, July 3, and at Walker Basin an immature bird was shot on the ridge above the valley, July 14. Record of specimen collected of Spizella atr'u/iilaris. Col- lectors No. Sex. Locality. Date. ( lollcctor. Remarks. 160 161 cf d 9 9 9 cf 9 cf cf Panamint Mountains, Calif. do do Apr. 16,1891 Apr. 15,1891 ....do E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher do Surprise Canon. Do. Do. 241 May 15,1891 May 27,1891 ilo ....do ....do do Maturango Spring. . .Nest and eggs. 259 260 do 360 Walker Tass, Cailf July 3, 1891 July 14,1891 June 20, 1891 ....do ....do F. Stephens 392 109 Walker Basin, Calif Independence Creek, Calif.. Owens Valley. Junco hycmalis. Slate-colored Junco. A specimen of the common eastern jnnco was secured by the writer in Johnson Canon in the Panamint Range, April :>, and another was seen a May, 1893.1 BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 93 day or two later in the same locality. Mr. Bailey took one near Fort Mohave, Ariz., March 1, 1889* Junco hyemalis shufsldti. Shufeldt's Juuco. A specimen collected in the Charleston Mountains and another in the Grapevine Mountains, Nevada, in March, belong to this race. Whether the species remains in these ranges to breed, or passes further east for that purpose, it is impossible to say, as no specimens were col- lected there later in the season. Record of specimens collected of Junco hyemalis shufeldli. Col- lector* No. 35 Sex. Locality. Charleston Mountains, Nev .. Grapevine Mountains, Nev . . Date. Collector. Mar. 7,189] V.Bailey. Mar. 21,1891 F. Stephens Remarks. Junco hyemalis thurberi. Tliurber's Jttnco. Thurber's junco was a common species in many places throughout the desert region of southeastern California, and bred commonly in most of the desert ranges, as well as in the Sierra Nevada. It was very com- mon in Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains, January 2, and sev- eral were seen there March 30. Mr. Nelson found juncos common at Lone Pine, in the canons at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, also in Surprise Canon of the Panamint, and Shepherd Canon of the Argus range, in December and early January. The individuals which he found in con- siderable numbers at Pahrump ranch, and in the Charleston Mountains, in February and March, may or may not have been wholly or in part referable to this form, as a single specimen collected in the Charleston Mountains belongs to the more eastern race, shufeldti. The same may be said of the few pairs of birds he found breeding near the summit of the Grapevine Mountains, in June, as no specimens were collected at that time. It was common in Johnson and Surprise canons, in the Panamint range, during the first half of April; Dr. Merriam saw many on the north base of Telescope Peak, April 16-19, and Mr. Bailey and the writer saw it from the summit of that peak down to below the ' char- coal kilns', in Wild Rose Canon, June 23. It was tolerably common among the piuons in the Argus range, where specimens were secured during the first half of May, and Mr. Palmer saw one in the Coso Moun- tains May 27, and others at Cerro Gordo, in the Inyo range, May 31. Mr. Nelson found it sparingly among the Pinus flexilis in the latter range the last of June, and not common in the White Mountains in July. Mr. Stephens found it not common from the Bex Monte mine to timber line in Independence Canon, June 18-23; at Queen mine, White Mountains, Nevada, July 11-16; common at Bishop Creek, August 1-10, and Menache Meadows, May 24-26. Juncos were common on the ridge above Walker Basin, July 11, and Mr. Palmer saw three back of 94 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Old Fort Tejon July 6, which had probably descended from the moun- tains where they were common among the pines duly 9. Mr. Nelson reported this species as abundant at the head of Owens River, where he found a nest containing four eggs nearly ready to hatch, July -55. On the western slope it was also common. On the upper Merced he found two nests on August 3, one containing a young bird and three eggs nearly ready to hatch, and the other three fresh eggs. The first mentioned nest was nicely hidden under a projecting spruce root on the side of a small gully, and the latter was placed in a clump of aspens at the base of a small sapling, was strongly made, and was lined with the long hairs of the porcupine. Juncos were very common in the Sequoia National Park during the first week of August. One nest with three eggs was found, and young as large as their parents were seen. They were common at Horse Cor- ral Meadows August 9-13, Big Cottonwood Meadows and Bound Valley the last of August, and at Whitney Meadows and Mineral King early in September. Mr. Dutcher found them abundant at Big Cottonwood Meadows where he discovered several nests, and Mr. Bailey observed them on the Kaweah River from the lowest conifers to above timber- line. A nest with young was found among the giant redwoods July 29. Mr. Nelson reported the species as common on high ground along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria in November and December; it was also common on the route from La Pauza to San Luis Obispo October 28 to November 3; and a few were seen at Santa Paula the last of December. Record of specimen? collected of Junco hyemalis ilmrberi. Col- lector's Sex. No. 9 d 149 d 170 9 d 353 d 202 d d 9 111 9 133 d d 22 d 2 5 d 9 37 d 38 ? 414 9 art. 144 d im. d 9 d Locality. Panamint Mountains, Calif. do -do .do .do Argus Range, Calif . .....do do Owens Valley, Calif. White Mountain.' , do Cajon Pass, Calif — Sierra Nevada, Calif do Calif. ..do ..do ..do ..do ..do ..do ..do San Emigdio Canon, Calif- Date. Mar. 28, 1891 ....do Apr. 2,1891 Apr. 19, 1891 ....do June 23, 1891 May 0, 1891 May 9, 1S91 ....'do June 21, 1891 July 13, 1891 July 14, 1891 Jan. 2,1891 Aug. 7,1891 June 19, 1891 July 7, 1891 Sept. 14, 1891 ....do Aug, 12, 1891 July 27, 1891 July 22,1891 July 25. 1 Sill Oct. 18,1891 Collector. W.Nelson.. .do K. Fisher .. .do W.Nelson.. K. Fisher .. .do S. Palmer .. .do Stephens .. .do W. Nelson . K. Fisher .. Bailey . H. Dutcher. .do .do .do . K. Fisher Stephens. . W. Nelson .do .do Remarks. Johnson Canon. Do. Do. Surprise Canon. Do. Coal kilns. Maturango Spring. Do. Do. Independence Creek. Sitting. 10,000 feet altitude. Mineral King. Big Cottonwood Meadows. Do. Do. Do. Horse Corral Mead- ows. Nest and eggs. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 95 Junco pinosus. Poiut Pinos Junco. This species has been described by Mr. Leverett M. Loomis since the return of the expedition. Juncos which were seen at Monterey by Dr. Merriam and Mr. Bailey undoubtedly belong to this species. Amphispiza biliueata. Black-throated Sparrow. The black-throated desert sparrow is one of the most abundant and characteristic birds of the Lower Sonoran /one, in which it breeds abundantly. The writer first observed the species in the Funeral Mountains, at the summit of Furnace Creek Canon, on March 22, while on the return trip to Death Valley from Ash Meadows, Nevada. The four or five males which were seen evidently had just arrived, as Mr. Bailey and Mr. Nelson, who had passed over the same route a few days before, saw none. The bird was common on both slopes of the Paua- mint Mountains, in Johnson and Surprise canons, during' the first three weeks of April, where it was in full song most of the time. It was common in the Argus range from the valley to the summit. In Coso Valley, below Maturango Spring, Mr. Palmer and the writer found several nests. On May 12 two were discovered, one containing three young and the other four eggs, and on May 13 a nest was found just completed. In the Coso Mountains this sparrow was common, and its nest was found in various kinds of bushes, though the branching cac- tus (Opuntia echinocarpa) seemed to be the most common site. A nest containing eggs was found near the road between Darwin and Keeler as late as May 30. When Mr. Bailey and the writer returned to Death Valley in the latter part of June, they did not find this bird in the valley proper, but found it a few hundred feet above, in Death Valley Canon, and all through the Panamint Mountains. The same observers found it com- mon both on the east and west slope of Walker Pass, in the Sierra Nevada, on July 1-3, and the former saw several on the South Fork of the Kern River July 3-10. Dr. Merriam furnishes the following notes on the species as observed by him on the trip to and from St. George, Utah: "In California it was common on the Mohave Desert, between the mouth of Cajou Pass and Pilot Knob, in the early part of April; and at the west end of the desert (Antelope Valley) June 27, and was found also near Lone Willow Spring, in Windy Gap, in Death Valley, in Emigrant Cafion, and in Leach Point Valley. In Owens Valley, California, it was common in the Lower Sonoran zone where it ranges north on the east side of the val- ley as far as Alvord, and was found in Deep Spring Valley, Nevada (June 9). In Nevada it was common also in Pahrump Valley (the commonest sparrow April 29), in Vegas Valley, at the Great Bend of the Colorado (where a nest containing two fresh eggs was collected May 4), along the Virgin River Valley (nests containing fresh eggs found at Bunkerville early in May), in Desert Valley just east of the Pahroc Mountains (May 20), on the plain below Pahroc Spring (May 22), in Pahranagat 96 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Valley (May 23-28), in Indian Spring Valley, where a nest containing three eggs was found in a bush of Atriplex canescens May 28, and at the extreme west end of this valley, where it slopes down toward the Aniargosa Desert, young just able to fly were secured May 29. It was tolerably common on the Aniargosa Desert, but rare in Oasis Valley (one seen Juue 1). On Sarcobatus Flat, at the mouth of Grapevine Canon, a few were seen June 2, and a few were seen on both sides of Gold Mountain (where young nearly full-grown were secured June 3). It was common in Tule Canon, at the extreme north end of the north- west arm of Death Valley, June 4, though it does not reach the sage plain of the Mount Magruder plateau. It reappears, however, a short distance below Pigeon Spring on the northwestern slope of Mount Ma- gruder, and ranges thence across Fish Lake Valley (June 8). In south- western Utah it was found on both slopes of the Beaverdam Moun- tains, ranging up into the junipers slightly above the upper limit of the lower division of the Lower Sonoran zone. In the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, it is abundant, breeding in the greasewood bushes (Atriplex) and in the branching cactuses (Opuntia cchinocarpa), where several nests were found containing two or three fresh eggs each (May 11-15)." Mr. Nelson found it breeding from the middle of the sage brush belt on the slopes of the Panamint, Grapevine, Inyo, and White mountains, down into Panamint, Mesquite, Saline, and Owens valleys. Mr. Stephens found it common near the lower end of the Argus Range, at Borax Flat, April 28-30; and in Owens Valley, at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11; at Haway Meadows, May 12-14; at Olancha, May 10-23; at Morans, July 4-7, and at Benton July 9-10. Record of specimens collected of Amphispiza bilineata. Col- lectors' No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remark. 162 171 rf 9 9 rf 9 ct hn. 9 juv. 9. juv. juv. cf juv. PanamintMountains, Calif do Apr. 15, 1891 Apr. 20, 1891 Apr. 27, 1891 Juue 11, 1891 May 11, 1891 June 9,1891 Jnly 6,1891 May 29,1891 June 3,1891 June 4,1891 A.K.Fisher do Surprise Caiion. Do. 189 do 332 ...do .. T. S. Palmer ...do . ...do 127 F. Stephens Amarposa Dpsert, Nov C. Hart Merriam. . do Amphispiza belli. Bell's Sparrow . Mr. Nelson found Bell's sparrow abundant in the bushes of the arid district bordering the southern and western sides of Buena Vista Lake, in San Joaquin Valley, during October. Amphispiza belli nevadensis. Sage Sparrow. The sage sparrow is one of the few birds characteristic of the sage plains of the Upper Sonoran and Transition zones, but does not breed mat.1893.] birds of the death valley expedition. 97 in the Lower Sonorau zone, though it winters in this zone and passes through it in great numbers during migration. In winter it was common along the entire route of the expedition. It was seen at Gajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains, January 2, and on the Mohave Desert, at Hesperia, in flocks of from ten to twenty, January 4-5; at Victor, Stoddard Wells, and Daggett, January G-10; at Granite Wells, January 13-15; at Lone Willow Spring, January 15-10. It was found in Death Valley from the lower end to Furnace Creek, January 21 to February 4; at Eesting Springs, February 0-17, and at Ash Meadows, Nevada, the first three weeks in March. Mr. Stephens found it common in Oasis Valley, Nevada, March 15-19; not common at Grapevine Spring, California, Ai)ril 1-4; and Mr. Nelson found it everywhere common in Pahrump Valley about the ranch, and along the route down through Vegas Valley and Wash, to the Bend of the Colorado, March 3-1(5. Dr. Merriam saw a few in tree yuccas on the Mohave Desert near the mouth of Cajon Pass, March 30, and a number near Daggett, April 4-6. He noted the species at Windy Gap, April 7; in Death Valley, near Bennett Wells, April 0-12; inMesquite Valley, April 13; Emigrant Canon, in the Pauamint Mountains, April 14 and 15, and found it common in Perognathus Flat, April 15. Per-* oguathus Flat is a high basin in the Pauamint Mountains, at the lower edge of the Upper Sonorau zone, and the species may remain there to breed. At the mouth of Johnson Canon, in the Pauamint Mountains, the writer saw this species March 25, and Mr. Bailey saw one in Wild Bose Canon, near the ' charcoal kilns,' in the same mountains, June 25. At Hot Springs, in Pauamint Valley, a few were seen in Atriplcjc bushes by Dr. Merriam, April 10-21, and one was seen at Leach Point Spring, April 25. He did not find it in the Lower Santa Clara Valley near St. George, Utah, but met with it in great abundance in passing north from this valley towards the Escalante Desert. It was one of the most characteristic birds at the upper Santa Clara Cross- ing, Utah, May 17, thence northward through Mountain Meadows to the Escalante Desert and Shoal Creek, and westerly across the low rolling plateau of the Juniper Mountains to Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada. It was common also in Desert Valley, Nevada, and in the neighboring Pahroc Mountains, May 20-21. A few were seen in the sage plain on Mount Magruder plateau, Nevada, June 5, and in the sage brush in Owens Valley, June 10-10. In this valley Mr. Stephens found it not common at Ash Creek, May 30-June 3; at Morans, July 4-7; and common at Olancha toward the mountains and breeding; at Independ- ence Creek, June 18-23; at Benton, July 0-10; and was seen at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. Mr. Nelson found it common at the head of Owens River the latter part of July; on both slopes of the Inyo Moun- tains, from the valleys up to the middle or upper part of the pifion belt, June 24-July 1; and common in the White Mountains, up to the middle of the same belt. He did not find it in the north end of the Paua- 12731— No. 7 7 98 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. mint Mountains nor in Saline Valley, but noted it on the eastern slope of the Panamint Mountains, in Cotton-wood Greek, and thence down to Mesquite Valley, and also in the Grapevine Mountains, May 4 to June 15. Mr. Nelson reported the sage sparrow as very common along the route from Lone Pine to Keeler, and through the Coso and Panamint valleys to Lone Willow Spring, and thence to Death Valley, during December 1890, and January 1S91. The specimens collected along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada in Owens Valley are almost intermediate, both in size and color, be- tween Am/phispiza belli and Amphispiza belli nevadensis. Record of specimens collected of Ampliispiza belli nevadensis. Col- lector' No. 36 42 43 4G 47 3 4 5 10 11 58 63 66 80 112 27 Sex. 2 31 d" ad 52 cT 84 d m; d 97 9 98 9 90 ? mi. Locality. Hesperia, Calif do Victor, Calif Stoddard Wells, Calif. Daggett, Calif .....ti^ Date. .do. .do. .do. .do. .do. .do. Granite Wells. Calif Lone Willow Spring, Calif.. Death Valley, Calii do Resting Springs, Calif 12-mile Spring Calif Mountain Meadows. Utah . Owens Valley, Calif Salt Wells Valley. Calif... Owens Valley, Calif do : do do do Sierra Nevada, Calif Jan. 4, ...do.. Jan. 6, i Jan. 7, I Jan. 9, I.... do.. | Feb. 6, I... .do.. | Feb. 7, do .. | Feb. 8, I. ...do.. I Jan. 13, Jan. 10, Jan. 21, Jan. 27. Feb. 17, Feb. 21, May 17, June 1 1, May 1, June 10, June 13, ..'..do.. ....do.. ....do .. Ausr.20, 1801 Collector. A. K. Fisher . ....do 1891 1801 1891 ...do ...do 1891 1891 F. Sleiihens . ....do 1801 1S01 1891 1891 1891 1S01 1801 1891 181)1 1891 1891 1801 ....do ...do ....do ...do A. K. Fisher . ....do ....do ....do ...do F. Stephens. V. F.ai'oy ... A. K. Fisher F. Stephens. ...do ...do ...do ...do ...do V.Bailey... Remarks. Mohave Desert. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Furnace Cieek. D... North of Resting Springs. Lone Fine. Olancha. Do. Do. Do. Do. Whitney Meadows. Peucaea cassini. Cassia's Sparrow. The only specimen of this species noted during the entire expedition was shot by Dr. Merriam in Timpahute Valley, Nevada, May 26. It was an old male in worn breeding plumage, and attracted his attention by flying up from the desert brush and singing in the air. Peucaea rcificeps. Rufous-crowned Sparrow. An immature specimen of this sparrow was secured on a rocky hill- side on the South Fork of Kern River, California, July 8. Mr. Palmer saw one on the west fork of Castac Canon June 30, and Mr. Stephens saw several migrants in Heche Canon, near San Bernardino, Calif., September 22-24. These are all the records we have of the speeis. Melospiza fasciata fallax. Desert Song Sparrow. The writer did not meet with this race, and quotes the following from Dr. Merriam's notes : "The desert song sparrow was not found anywhere in California, but May, 1S93. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 99 was common in suitable valleys in southeastern Nevada, south- western Utah, and northwestern Arizona. It was found in the valley of the Muddy near St. doe, Nev., May 7, and was a common breeder in Pahranagat Valley. Nevada, May 23. A specimen was shot and others seen at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, Arizona, May 9, and it was common in the Lower Santa Clara Valley near the junction of the Santa Clara and Virgin, May 11-15, where a nest was found near a marshy meadow." Record of specimens collected of Melospiza fasciata fallax. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. Paliranngat Valley, Nev. Bearerdaui, Ariz May 23, 1891 May 9,1891 C Hart Merrinm. ...do Melospiza fasciata montana. Mountain Song Sparrow. This song sparrow was tolerably common about the ranch at Furnace Creek, and among the reeds at Saratoga Springs, in Death Valley, in January, but was not seen at the former place in June. It was quite common at Resting Springs in the Amargosa Desert, February 6-17, and at Ash Meadows, Nevada, in March. Mr. Nelson found it common along the willow-grown banks of the ditches in Pahrump and Vegas valleys, and Mr. Stephens found it rather common in the lower end of Oasis valleys, March 15-19. Mr. Bailey reported it abundant at St. George, Utah, in January, 1889. Record of specimens collected of Melospiza fasciata montana. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Eemarks. d 2 2 2 2 d 2 2 Death Valley Calif Feb. 3, 1891 Jan. 25,1891 Mar. 4,1891 Mar. 9,1891 Mar. 15.1891 Mar. 16,1891 do E.W.Xelson A. K. Fisher do Saratoga Springs. 78 do 117 118 do . do 128 do . do 33 F. Stephens do 31 ...do Pahrump Valley, Key do .' Mar. 4,1891 do E.W. Nelson do Mar. 12. 1891 ...do Melospiza fasciata heermanni. Heermann's Song Sparrow. This Californian subspecies was quite common at San Bernardino, where it was singing in the brush along streams, December 28-29, 1890. It was tolerably common in suitable localities in Owens Valley, along the South Fork of Kern River, July 3-10, and was heard singing at Kernville July 11-13. At Walker Basin it was seen along the sloughs, Jjflly 13-16, and at Bakersfield it was common along the river bottom, July 17-20. Mr. Palmer found it common near Old Port Tejon 100 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. early in -July; Mr. Nelson observed it commonly in the Canada de las Uvas and in San Emigdio Canon the last of October ; and along the route from La Paiiza to San Luis Obispo, October 28 to November 3. Record of specimens collected of Melospiza fasciata heermanni. Col- lector's No. 396 378 119 67 295 302 321 Sex. d ? 9 ad ? im d im d d d d d Locality. San Bernardino, Calif Sail Emigdio Canon, Calif. Bakerslield, Calif Kern River, Calif .do. Owens Vallev, Calif. do do do do Date. Dec. 28,1890 Oct. 22.1891 July 19,1891 July 5,1891 July 4,1891 July 26, 1891 May 30,1891 June 5.1891 June 6,1891 June 9, 189i Collector. A. K. Fisher E. W. Kelson A. K. Fisher ...do V. Bailey . . . F. Stephens. . . . -do A. K. Fisher ....do ....do Remarks. 25 miles above Kernville. Do. Alvord. Ash Creek. Lone Vine. Do. Do. Melospiza fasciata guttata. Rusty Song Sparrow. Mr. Bailey secured a specimen of this song sparrow at Santa Clara, Utah, January 13, 1889. It was undoubtedly an accidental straggler from the northwest coast. Melospiza fasciata rufina Sooty Song Sparrow. Mr. Bailey took a specimen of this subspecies at Boulder Creek, California, on October 13, 1891, and stated that it Avas common there. Melospiza fasciata graminea. Santa Barbara Song Sparrow. Specimens of this new race, indistinguishable from Mr. Townsend's type, were taken by Mr. Nelson at Morro and Carpenteria, Calif. He found them common near the streams and wet places along the coast, and a few as far inland as Santa Paula. Whether it is a resident or a migrant from the Santa Barbara Islands, can not be decided at present. Eccord of specimens collected of Melospiza fasciata graminea. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Carpenteria, Calif . do Morro, Calif Date. Dee. 18, 1891 ....do Nov. 8, 1891 Collector. E. W. Nelson ...do ...do Remarks. Melospiza lincolni. Lincoln's Sparrow. A few Lincoln's sparrows were seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, and Mr. Nelson found it common in wet places among bushes at Vegas ranch and in Vegas Wash in March, where Dr. Merriam again saw it May 1. It was not uncommon in Johnson and Suprise canons in the Panamint Range, April 1-20. The species was common at Hot Springs in Panamint Valley, April 1*0-23, and a few were seeu in Shepherd Canon, in the Argus Range, the last of April. Mr. Stephens found it May, 1893.] BIRDS OP THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 101 breeding-, but not commonly, at Independence Creek, June 18-23, and the writer saw several in tlie high grass at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13. Mr. Belding found a pair breeding in the meadow at Orockers, near the Yosemite Valley, in May, and Mr. Bailey saw a few at Monterey, September 28 to October 9. Record of specimens collected of Melospiza lincolni. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 154 175 ? 9 ? J ¥ Panamint Mountains, Calif do Mar. 27, 1801 Apr. 11, 18'J1 Apr. 21,1891 Apr. 22,1891 Juue22,1891 E. W. Kelson A. K. Fisher do Johnson Canon. Do. Hot Springs. Do. 177 do do 117 Passerella iliaca iinalaschcensis. Townsend's Sparrow. Townsend's sparrow was not uncommon in Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains January 2. It was not reported again until Mr. Bailey found it common at Monterey, September 28 to October 9. Mr. Nelson found it common and generally distributed wherever thickets occurred along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, November 4 to December 18. Record of specimens collected of Passerella iliaca unalascheensis. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 21 3 Ca.jon Pass, Calif Jan. 2. 1891 Nov. 8,1891 A. K. Fisher ... E. W. Nelson . . Passerella iliaca megarhyncha. Thick-billed Sparrow. The thick-billed sparrow was found commonly in a number of places in the High Sierra. Mr. Nelson reported it as rather common at the head of Owens River, and on the western slope, in July and August. Mr. Stephens saw it among the thickets at Menaehe Meadows May 24-2G; found it common at Independence Creek, where young were taken June 20; and at the lake on Bishop Creek August 4-10. In the Sequoia National Park it was common, and several broods of young- just able to fly were seen the first week in August. On the East Fork of the Kaweah River Mr. Bailey found it breeding from the lower edge of the conifers up to where Finns monticola grows. It was seen at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13 : at Whitney Meadows and Soda Springs or Kern River Lakes, the last of August; at Mineral King, September 8-11, and on the brushy hillsides about the Caiiada de las Uvas and San Emigdio, October 14-28. 102 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Passerella iliaca megarhyncha. | No. 7. Col- leclor's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 01 308 9 9 Vim. d cfim. Sierra Nevada, Calif. . . .do May 27,1S31 Jnne20,189J Julv i$0, 1891 Aug. 0.1891 Aug. 11, 1831 F. Stephens do V. Bailey A. K. Fisher do Summit Meadow, near Olau- cha Peak. Independence Creole. East Fork of KaweTih River. Sequoia National Park. 407 411 do do do Passerella iliaca schistacea. Slate-colored Sparrow. The slate-colored sparrow was not uncommon , according', to Mr. Nel- son, about the heads of streams on the eastern slope of the White Mountains, where a specimen was taken, July 14. A few were seen in Johnson and Surprise canons, in the Panamint Mountains, where a specimen was taken in the former canon, March 28. This sparrow was not detected elsewhere by members of the expedition. Record of specimens collected of Passerella iliaca schistacea. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. n d Panamint Mountains, Calif.... White Mountains, Calif Mar. 28, 1891 July 14,1891 E. W, Nelson do Johnson Canon. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx. Spurred Towhee. The spurred towhee is common over much of the Great Basin, and also in California west of the Sierra Nevada. Mr. Nelson reported it as common among the junipers on the Charleston Mountains in the early part of March. A pair was seen in one of the canons in the Coso Mountains, May 23, and subsequently Mr. Palmer saw others in the brush along the streams. Mr. Nelson found a few at Lone Pine in Owens Valley, in December, 1890, and the writer saw a few in the brush along the river at the same place, June 11. Dr. Merriam found it common in the northern part of the valley on the latter date. Mr. Stephens reported it as common in the lower part of the canon at Independence Creek, where young were seen June 18-23; as not com- mon among the pinons at Benton, July 9-10; he also saw three at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. In the Panamint Mountains, Mr. Nelson saw it in Surprise Canon in December, 1890, and found it sparingly in the vicinity of water, where thickets of willows and rose bushes afforded it shelter, in both this range and the Grapevine Mountains during I lie latter part of May and the first of June. The same observer found a few in the Inyo Mountains among the pinons at Hunter's arastra, and again in willows bordering the creek near Waueoba Peak, the latter part of June; found it rather common on the west slope 0.f the Sierra, mainly along streams; and found a few in the upper parts of the streams in the White Mountains. May, 1893.1 BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 103 In ^Nevada, Dr. Merriam found it in the following localities: At Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains, April 30; in the Juni- per Mountains May 19, where it was common throughout the scrub oak and juniper down to the very edge of Meadow Creek Valley near Panaca; at Tule Canon and on Mount Magruder, where it was abun- dant and a full-fledged young was shot, June 5. In Utah, he found it common among the junipers on the Beaverdam Mountains, May 11, and saw a number between the Upper Santa Clara Crossing and Mountain Meadows, in thickets of Amelanchier and scrub oak, May 17. On the western slope of Walker Pass, in California, it was common July 2 and 3; along the South Fork of the Kern, July 3-10; on the hill- sides in chaparral at Walker Basin, July 13-10; and at Bakersfleld in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. Mr. Bailey reported it as common below the conifers on the Kaweah River the last <»t' -Inly, and Dr. Merriam found it common in the Granite Range in western San Diego County, July 1-10. Record of specimens collected of ripilo maculaius megalonyx. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. d d im. d d ail. d im. Mountain Meadows, Utah May 17,1891 Charleston Mountains, Nev Mar. 7,1891 Mount Magruder, Nev June 5, 1891 Grapevine Mountains, Nov Mar. 21, 1891 Loue Pine, Calif June 11, 1801 Kern River, Oalif , Julj 5, 1891 C. Hart Merriam. . v. Bailey do ' 30 374 1'. Stephens A. K. Fisher ....do ( hvens Valley. South Fork." Pipilo maculatus oregonus. Oregon Towliee. Mr. Nelson found the Oregon towhee sparingly along the coast of California from La Panza to San Luis Obispo the last of October; be- tween San Simeon and Carpenteria November 4 to December 18, and common between the latter place and Santa Paula December 18 to Jan- uary 4. Pipilo chlorurus. Green-tailed Towliee. The green-tailed towhee is a common summer resident in the moun- tain ranges visited by of the expedition. It was first observed in Johnson Canon on the east slope of the Panamint Mountains, April 12, but was not seen in Surprise Canon on the west slope during the fol- lowing fortnight. In May and June Mr. Nelson found it common among the sage brush on the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, where it was associated with Brewer's sparrow. It was most numer- ous among the rank growth of vegetation along small streams and about spriugs, though it was not uncommon on the high benches among the Artemisia tridentata. On Willow Creek, May 24, he found a nest containing four eggs which was placed in a sage bush 15 inches from the ground. It was composed externally of rather coarse plant stems, and lined with fine fibrous rootlets and horsehair. On the north slope of 104 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Telescope Peak, it was common as high as the upper limit of the sage brush, June 22-25. In tbe Argus Eange, it was common in Shepherd Canon, where num- bers were migrating the last week in April, and at Maturango Spring among the willows and other vegetation at the spring the first two weeks in May. Among the Coso Mountains it was very common along the streams and on the slopes among the sage and pinons, where the males often were heard singing from their perches on the tops of some dead brush or trees, the latter part of May. Dr. Merriam saw it on the northward continuation of the Kingston Eange, between the Amargosa Desert, California, and Pahrump Valley, Nevada. He found it also in the following localities in Nevada : Tolerably common, in the Charleston Mountains, April 30; at the Bend of the Colo- rado, May 4; very abuudauton Mount Magruder, where it was breed- ing from the upper part of Tule Canon up to 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) or higher, and where a dozen or more were often seen at one time, singing from the tops of sage brush and nut pines, and they were heard singing several times at night; a few were seen in the Juniper Moun- tains, May 19; in the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, he found them tolerably common among the junipers, May 10-11, and in the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15. Mr. Nelson found the species from among the pinons up to the summit in the Inyo Mountains the latter part of June, and in the White Moun- tains and on the plateau at the head of Owens Valley, in July. Along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada it was common at the head of Owens Biver the last of July; at Independence Creek, where a nest containing two eggs just ready to hatch was found at the Bex Monte mill, June 18-23; at Bishop Creek, August 4-10; not common at Ben- ton, July 9-10; and atMenache Meadows where it occurred nearly to timber line, May 24-26. The species was seen at Walker Pass, July 2; at Soda Springs or Kern Biver Lakes, September 3; and was com- mon in the Sequoia National Park, during the first week of August; and in the vicinity of Mineral King, the last of August and 1st of September. Mr. Dutcher saw a few at Big Cottonwood Meadows dur- ing the summer, and Mr. Palmer found it common on Frazier Mountain among the pines, July 9, and in Tejon Pass, July 12. Record of specimens collected of Fipilo chlornrus. Col- lector's Sex. No. 186 d 230 9 258 d 110 9 134 d Locality. Argus Range, Calif do Coso Mountains, Calif. Owens Valley, Calif . . . White Mountains. Nev Date. Apr. 27, 1891 May 12,1891 May 27,1891 June 20, 1891 July 14, 1891 Collector. fccinarks. A. K. Fisher \ Shepherd Canon. ...do ' Maturango Spring. ...do ! F. Stephens ! Independence Creek, do ' Queen mine. May. 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 105 Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. Canon Towhee. Mr. Bailey found the canon towhee abundant among the hills at Mineral Park, in western Arizona, during the middle of February, 1889, and later in the same month saw a few near Fort Mohave. Pipilo fuscus crissalis. California Towhee. The California towhee was common among the chaparral in a number of localities west of the Sierra Nevada. At Cajoii Pass, in the San Bernardino Mountains, it was very common from the lower part of the valley, well up on the divide among the oaks, January 2-3, and Dr. Merriam found it abundant at the same place, March 29-30. It was common on the western slope of Walker Pass, July 2-3; along the val- ley of the Kern Biver, July 3-13, and abundant in Walker Basin, July 13-1G. Mr. Palmer reported it as abundant at Old Fort Tejon in July; Mr. Stephens at Reche Canon, September 22-24, and Mr. Nelson as very abundant in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada in August. It was common at Three Bivers, July 25-30, aud September 12-15, and Mr. Bailey noted it along tbe East Fork of the Kaweah Biver nearly up to the lower edge of the pines. The same observer found it common at Monterey the first week in October; Mr. Nelson reported it as abundant among the brush along the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley in October, and along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and December. Record of specimens collected of Pipilo fuscus crissalis. Col- lector's No. IS 40 364 Sex. 9 d f ? ad. Ini. 9 im. d ad. d Locality. San Bernardino, Calif. do Argus Range. Calif . . . Walker Pass, Calif... .do .,1... Kern lliver, Calif Ventura Itiver, Calif. Date. Jan. 1. 1891 ...do Apr. 25,181)1 July 2,1891 July 3,1891 ....do Collector. A. K. Fisher ...do F. Stephens . A. K. Fisher V. Bailey .... .do Remarks. Searl's Garden. July 4, 1891 I A. K. Fisher ! South Fork. Dec. 20, 1891 E. W. Nelson I Pipilo aberti. Abert's Towhee. The westernmost locality at which Dr. Merriam and Mr. Bailey saw Abert's towhee is the Bend of the Colorado Biver, in Nevada, where it was common, and a full grown young was secured, May 4. Thence northward they found it common in the valleys of the Virgin and lower Muddy, May 6-S, where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin in northwestern Arizona, May 9-10, aud in the Lower Santa Clara Val- ley, Utah, near St. George, May 11-15, where it was breeding com- monly. Habia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak. The black-headed grosbeak was first observed in Shepherd Canon in the Argus Bange, where a specimen was secured April 26. A week 106 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. pro. 7. later it was common among the willow patches at Maturango Spring and among the tree yuccas at the western base of the range. In the Coso Mountains several were seen in the canons during the latter part of May. Mr. Nelson found it a common breeding bird both in the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, and the writer saw a tine male in full song at the ' charcoal kilns ' in Wild Rose Canon, north of Tele- scope Peak, June 23. In Owens Valley Mr. Stephens found it rather common at Olancha, May 1G-23; not common at Ash Creek, May 3D to June 3, and saw one male at Independence Creek, June 18-23. Mr. Nelson found it sparingly among the willows in the Inyo Mountains, June 24 to July 5, and along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada in August. Mr. Bailey reported this grosbeak as common among the pines along the East Fork of the Kaweah River, July 25 to August 10. It was observed on the western slope of Walker Pass, June 21; was common in Kern Valley, June 22-23 and July 3-10; on the ridge above Walker Basin, July 14; in the Sierra Liebre, June 30; and in Canada de las Uvas, June 28-29. In Nevada Dr. Merriam found a pair breeding in a thicket near Log Spring on Mount Magruder, June 8; saw it in Oasis Valley, June 1; in the valley of the Virgin near Bunker ville, May 8; and found it common in Pahranagat Valley, where it was singing in the tall cot- tonwoods, May 22-2G. In Utah he found it breeding plentifully along the Lower Santa Clara River, May 11-15. Record of specimens collected of Jlabia mehmocephala. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 184 240 Argns Range, Calif T do...... Apr. 20,1801 May 14, 189] May 15. 1891 A. K. Fisher ....do Shepherd < !auon. Matnrango Spring. Do. ' do .. T. S. Palmer Guiiaca caerulea eurhyncha. Western Blue Grosbeak. The blue grosbeak is tolerably common in many of the valleys of Cali- fornia and Nevada. In Nevada, Dr. Merriam found it breeding com- monly in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-20, and along the Lower Muddy and Virgin rivers, May 7 and 8. He saw several where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin River in northwestern Arizona, May 0-10, and found the species common in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, May 11-15. Several were seen in the Canada de las Uvas, California, June 28-29. At Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, it was quite common among the fruit orchards and thick growth along streams, where two young just out of the nest were secured, June 14. Mr. Stephens found it more or less common in the same valley, at Olancha, May 10-23; Ash Creek, May 30 to June 3; Alvord, June 20-28; and at Morans, July 4-7. Mr. Bailey secured an adult male at Furnace Creek ranch, Death Valley, June 19, May. 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 107 and Mr. Nelson saw the species in Saline Valley the latter part of the same mouth. Blue grosbeaks were very common along- the South Fork of the Kern, where they frequented the oat fields and the thick vege- tation in the river bottoms, July 3-10. They were also common at Kernville, July 11-13; at Walker Basin, July 13-16 j and at Bakers- field in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. Becord of specimens collected of Giiiraea ccerulea eiirhijncha. Col- , lector's Sex. No. d ? •J" d d 313 d 31G j 338 9 Juv .",39 ? juv 66 d 85 ? 93 d 101 ? 1^1 d 373 d 379 d art 384 d ad Bocality, St. George, Utah .... Beaverdain. Ariz . . . Bnnkerviile, Nev .... Death Valley, Calif . Owens Valley, Calif. rto .rto. .rto. .rto. .rto. rto rto rto rto Kern River, ( 'al it'. rto rto Date. May May May June .Juno .1 cine June .1 une ....(!•. May June June Jane June July July July 1891 1-'.)1 1891 1891 1891 J 891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1891 1S91 1891 1891 1891 Collector. V. Bailey ...rto... C. Ilarl Merriatn. V. Bailey T.S. 1 'a liner A. K. Fisher ...rto ...rto ...do F. Stephcna ....do .do ...do ...do A. K. Fisher . . ...do .do Remarks. Furnace Creek. Lone Piue. Do. Do. Do. Do. Asli ('reek. Olancha. Do. Do. Alvorrt. South Fork. Do. Do. Passerina amcena. Lazuli Bunting. The lazuli bunting is a common breeder in many places in the Great Basin wherever there is sufficient water to produce a growth of willow or other thickets suitable for nesting sites. In Nevada, Dr. Merriam found it breeding commonly on Mount Ma grader, and in the thickets in Tide Canon, June 4-8; in I'ahranagat Valley, May 22-20, and saw a few in the Juniper Mountains, May 18, aud in Oasis Valley, June 1. He found it common at the Bend of the Col- orado, May 4, and at a few points in the valleys of tlie Muddy and Virgin rivers, May 7-8. In the Santa Clara Valley, Utah, it was an abundant breeder, May 11-15. The writer first met with the species at Coso, Calif., where a male was secured May 25. At Furnace Creek, Death Valley, a female was secured in the brush near the ranch, June 19, and the species was com- mon in Wild Rose Canon in the Panamint Mountains, June 24 and 25. Mr. Kelson found it common in both the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, wherever willow thickets occurred. It was nesting in Mill Creek, Willow Creek, and Cottonwood canons in the former, and in W< » >d Canon in the latter range of mountains. The same observer found it from the bottom of the valley up to the pinons in the Inyo Mountains; at the head of Owens Valley, near tbe White Mountains, and along borders of streams from the foothills up to 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) alti- tude at the head of Owens River. In Owens Valley it was common about the orchards at Lone Piue in June; and Mr. Stephens saw several at 108 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. Olancha, May 16-23; found it common at Ash Creek, May 30-Jmie :>; at Morans, July 4-7; abundant in the lower part of the canon of In- dependence Creek, June 18-23; not common at Alvord, June 20-28; at Benton, July 9-10; at Queen station in the White Mountains, Nev., June 11-16; and saw a male at about 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) altitude, at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. Mr. Palmer secured a specimen at Horse Corral Meadows, August 11, and saw another in Kings River Canon, August 15; and Mr. Bailey saw two at 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) altitude on the Kaweah River, about the same time. Mr. Palmer found it common at Old FortTejon, where a nest containing three fresh eggs was found in a willow tree G feet from the ground, July 4. The species was common along the valley of the Kern, July 3-13; at Walker Basin, July 13-10; and at Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. fiecord of specimens collected of Passcrina amcena. Col- lector's Mo. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Keiuarks. 256 d d 9 Coso, Coso Mountains, Calif Mav 25, 1891 June 6, 1891 J une 19, 1891 A. K. Fisher do 341 Death Valley Calif do Calamospiza melanocorys. Lark Bunting. A few miles north of Pilot Knob on the Mohave Desert, California, a lark bunting was killed by Mr. F. W. Koch April 0, and two others were seen by Dr. Merriam. One was shot in Pahrump Valley, Nevada, April 29, by Mr. Bailey. No others were observed by any members of the expedition. Piranga ludoviciana. Western Tanager. The western tanager was found commonly in many places during migration, and sparingly during the breeding season. The first indi- vidual observed was secured by Dr. Merriam in Surprise Canon in the Pauamint Mountains, California, April 23. When first seen it was in hot pursuit of a large beetle, which it failed to capture. At Maturango Spring in the Argus Range, a large flight of these tanagers occurred on May 4, where as many as a dozen males were seen at one time. From this date until the time of leaving, the middle of May, it was common among the willows in the vicinity of the spring. In the Coso Mountains a pair was seen near the top of the ridge, where they were evidently hunting for a nesting site, May 23. Mr. Nelson found it a rather common breeding species among the pifions on Willow Creek in the Pauamint Mountains, and also in Mill Creek and Cottonwood canons, though in smaller numbers, during the last of May. 1 fe saw none in the Grapevine Mountains. Dr. Merriam saw two males of this species and one hepatic tanager in a tall cottonwood at the point where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin Mav, 1893. BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 109 River, in northwestern Arizona., May 9. He saw many males in the Lower Santa Clara, Valley, Utah, May 1L-14; six males in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada, May 18, and several in Pahrauagat Valley, May 22-20. At Keeler, early in June, an individual alighted for a few moments on the wagon during a gale. In the same valley a few were seen and two secured at Lone Pine, June 0-8; Mr. Stephens reported it a rather common migrant at Olancha May 10-23; not common at Bishop August 4-10, and rather common at Meuache Meadows May 24-20. Mr. Nelson found it at the head of Owens River the latter part of July; several were seen among the hills above Walker Basin July 14, and several were observed in the Sequoia National Park during the first week of August. Mr. Palmer saw one in Tejon Pass July 12. Record of specimens collected of Piranga hidoviciana. Col- lector's Sex. No. cf 195 d 220 d 221 d 222 d 250 d 306 9 315 d 71 d 145 d Locality. Panamint Mountains, Calif. .. Argus Range, Calif ..... do do do Coso Mountains, Calif Owens Valley, Calif do ' do Sierra Nevada, Calif Date. Apr. 23, 1891 Mav 4, 1891 May 10, 1891 ....'do . . . do Mav 2::, 1891 Juiie 6,] 891 June 8,1891 June 1,1891 July 27, 1891 Collector. Remarks. C. If art Merriam. A. K fisher do -do .do .do F. Stephens. do Surprise Canon. Maturango Spring 1)0. Do. Do. Lone Tine. Owens Lake. Piranga hepatica. Hepatic Tanager. The only individual of this species observed during the entire season was seen by Dr. Merriam in a eottonwood at the point where Beaver- dam Creek empties into the Virgin in northwestern Arizona, May 9. Two adult male western tanagers (P. ludoviciana) were in the same tree, and both species were probably migrating. Progne subis hesperia. Western Martin. A colony of martins was found breeding at Old Fort Tejon in the Canada de las Uvas, California, June 28, 1891, by Dr. Merriam and Mr. Palmer. They were nesting in woodpeckers' holes in the large oaks in front of the old fort, where three were killed. Mr. Belding noted the species at Crocker's, May. !1 miles northwest of the Yosemite Valley, in Record of specimens collected of Progne subis hesperia. Col- lector's No. Sex. d ad. d ini. d im. Locality. Date. Old Fort Tejon, Calif. do....! do J mi e 28, 1891 .do ■ do Collector. C. Hart Merriam do do Remarks. 110 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. This widely distributed .species was found breeding in various locali- ties visited by the expedition. In Nevada Dr. Merriam found a colony breeding in the canon at the lower end of Vegas Wash, May 3, and saw several at the Bend of the Colorado, May 4; he found it common in Pahranagat Valley, May22-2G, and in Oasis Valley, June 1. In Utah he saw a colony which was breeding near St. George, in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, where many nests were found on the red sandstone cliffs a mile or two from the settlement. The cliff swallow was common in Owens Valley, California. It was seen along the edge of the lake at Keeler, May 30-June 4; at the mouth of the canon above Lone Pine, June 12; and Mr. Stephens found it common at Haway Meadows, May 12-14; abundant at Olancha, May 16-23; at Ash Creek, May 30 to June 3; breeding in thccafion at Benton, July 9-10 ; and not common at the Queen mine, Nevada, July 11-1G. Mr. Nelson saw it on Willow Creek in the Panamint Mountains, the last of May, and found it at the head of Owens River, in the Sierra Nevada, up to 2,100 meters (7,000 feet) altitude. It was common in Kern Val- ley, July 3-13, and in Walker Basin, July 13-16. At the latter place a number of nests were found fastened against the ceiling and walls of the rooms in several of the deserted buildings. Dr. Merriam found it breeding commonly at Kernville, under the eaves and piazzas of houses, June 23, and m the Canada de las Uvas, under the eaves of Old Port Tejon, June 28-29. At Twin Oaks, in western San Diego County, he was shown a largo sycamore tree on the outside of which these swallows used to fasten their nests, and was told that after heavy rains the nests were fre- quently washed down in great numbers. The species was common at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20, and Mr. Stephens found it not uncommon at Reche Canon, near San Bernardino, Sep- tember 22-24. Chelidon erythrogaster. Barn Swallow. The barn swallow was found nowhere common except in Owens Val- ley, California. It was first seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, where two were noted, March 19. In the same State, Dr. Merriam saw one at Mount Magruder, June 8; one in Oasis Valley, June 1; a number in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-26, where it was doubtless breeding, and several near Bunkerville, in the Virgin Valley, May 7-8. He saw a sin- gle bird near St. George, in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, about the middle of May. Mr. Nelson saw it as a migrant on the divide between Panamint and Saline valleys, the last of May, and at the head of Willow Creek, in Hie Panamint Mountains, about the same time. He saw barn swallows at the head of Owens Valley in the White Mountains, at the head of Owens Pviver; and also in the Yosemite Valley. Mr. Stephens found it Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OP THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. Ill common all through Salt Wells and Owens valleys, and the writer found it common in the latter valley at Reeler, near Owens Lake, and at Lone Pine, in June. At Keeler a male was noticed every day during our stay. He sat for hours on a wire in front of the signal station and produced a series of notes which were well worth the title of a song. The sounds were more or less disconnected, but the writer does not remember hearing so perfect a song from any swallow, and as Mr. Bick- nell states (Auk, Vol. I, 1884, p. 325) the notes suggest those produced by the marsh wren. Tachycineta bicolor. Tree Swallow. White- bellied swallows were seen in a few places during migration. Several were seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 12, and a number near the Colorado River, March 10-13. At Furnace Creek, Death Val- ley, it was common about the reservoir, March 23-24, and again the middle of April. A few were seen in Johnson Canon in the Panamint Range, April 4, and Mr. Nelson observed stragglers at the head of Willow Creek in the same range, the last of May. Tachycineta thalassina. Violet-green Swallow. The violet-green swallow is a common summer resident among the mountains and was frequently seen in the neighboring valleys while searching for food. Two or three were seen near the upper end of Vegas Wash, Nevada, March 10, and many were observed in Death Valley, at Furnace Creek, April 10, and at Saratoga Springs, near the south end, April 26. In Nevada, Dr. Merriam found it common in Pahranagat Valley, May 22-26, saw it on Mount Magruder, June 8, and in Oasis Valley, June 1. In Utah it was common in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, May 11-15. Mr. Nelson found it a common species in the Panamint and Grapevine mountains, where it bred in the crevices of the lofty cliffs, from the summits down to the border of the sur- rounding valleys. In the former range violet-green swallows were common, and a specimen was secured on the summit of Telescope Peak, June 23. In the Argus Range it was common about the summit above Maturango Spring, May 12-14, and at Coso, four or five came about camp, May 28. Mr. Nelson saw the species from the lower part of Saline Valley to the summit of the Inyo Mountains, in June; up to timber line in the White Mountains, in July, and at the heads of Owens and Merced rivers, in the Sierra Nevada, in July and August. In Owens Valley this swallow was common about the lake at Reeler aud at Lone Pine during the first half of June. At the latter place it was seen flying about in company with the cliff swallows, white-throated and cloud swifts, at the mouth of the canon, and with the barn swallows over the meadows and marshes. Mr. Stephens found it more or less common in other parts of the valley. It was common aloug the valley of Rem 112 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. River, July 3-13; in Walker Basin, July 13-10, and along' the route to Bakersfield, July 10-20. Dr. Merriam and Mr. Palmer found it abundant at Old Fort Tejon, where it was breeding in the oaks and crevices of the adobe buildings; it was very common about the summit of Frazier Mountain, July 9, and at the summit of Tejon Pass, July 12. In the High Sierra it was common about the openings at Horse Corral Meadows, Au- gust 9-13; in Kings River Canon, August 13-10 ; Big Cottonwood Mead- ows, August 25-20; at Soda Springs or Kern River Lakes, September 3, and above timber line at Mineral King, and along the route from that place to Three Rivers in the western foothills, September 10-13. Mr. Bailey found the species numerous at Monterey, September 28 to Octo- ber 9, and Mr. Stephens saw several at Reche Canon, September 22-2-1. Record of specimens collected of Tachycineta thalassina. Col- lector's No. Sox. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 209 272 ? 9 cT J 2 d Coso, Coso Mountains, Calif Keeler Inyo County, Calif . do May 28, 1891 Juno 1,1891 do A. K. Fisher do 293 ...do 286 . ilo .. June 2, 1891 ....do 287 ...do do do 354 Panamint Mountains, Calif June 23, 1891 ....do Telescope Peak. Clivicola riparia. Bank swallow. Bank swallows were seen in two places only by members of the expedition. Mr. Nelson saw a few in company with rough- winged swallows at the Bend of the Colorado, in Nevada, about March 10. Mr. Stephens found it common at Alvord, in Owens Valley, where they were breeding in the banks along the sloughs, June 20-28. Stelgidopteryx serripemiis. Rough-winged Swallow. The rough-winged swallow was tolerably common in a number of the desert valleys, where it was a summer resident. It was first seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 10, and in Vegas Wash, near the Bend of the Colorado River, March 10-13. A specimen was secured at Hot Springs, in Panamint Valley, April 22, and Mr. Nelson observed a few migrants along Willow Creek, in the Panamint Mountains, the last of May. Dr. Merriam saw this swallow at Saratoga Springs in Death Valley, April 20 ; at the Bend of the Colorado River, May 4 ; in the Valley of the Virgin near Bunkerville, Nevada, May 8; and in Pahranagat Valley Nevada, where it was tolerably common and doubtless breeding, May 22-20. He found it common where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin in northwestern Arizona, May 9-10, and the commonest swallow in the Santa Clara Valley Utah, May 11-15. In Owens Valley a pair was seen about a pond at Lone Pine, June 8, and others were observed at Big Pine June 10. At Furnace Creek. Death Valley, several were se- cured about the reservoir June 19-21, and a number were seen in Kern River Valley June 22-23. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. Record of specimens collected of Stelgidopteryx aerripeanis. 113 Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 176 a Apr. 22, 1891 June 19, 1891 do A. K. Fisher . . do Hot Springs. 340 Death Valley Calif V. Bailey Do. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. The only cedar birds observed during the entire trip were two seen at Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, June 14, and a flock of five, at Three Elvers, Tulare County, September 15. At the former place they were feeding on mulberries, which were cultivated along one of the irrigating ditches of a fruit ranch. This berry, when it can be obtained, seems to be their favorite food, and one which they will take in preference to any other. Among the Creoles of Louisiana the knowledge of this fact has given rise to the name ofmurier for the cedar bird in that locality. At Three Rivers the specimens secured were gorged with a small wild grape (Vitis calif or idea), which was ripening in abundance in the low thickets along the streams. Phainopepla nitens. Pliainopepla. This species is a characteristic bird of the Lower Sonoran zone, where it remains throughout the year. Several were seen among the mes- quite at Hot Springs in Panamint Valley, in January, and a fine male was secured at the mouth of Surprise Canon, not far from the above place, April 23. Its stomach was filled with the berries of the mistle- toe, which is a parasite onthemesquite. Several were seen at Resting Spring in the Amargosa Desert, about the middle of February, feeding on the same berries, which appear to be their principal food. An adult male was seen at Maturango Spring in the Argus Range, May 10, and one or two were observed at Coso the latter part of May. Mr. Nelson found it rather common in the lower part of Vegas Valley and upper part of Vegas Wash and very abundant in the lower part of the Wash, near the Colorado River, in March. It was seen by Dr. Merriam at Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains, April 30, and was common in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, June 11-15, where several pairs were breeding in the village of St. George. An adult female was seen by Mr. Stephens at Morans, in Owens Valley, July 4-7, and Mr. Nelson found it rather common in the western foot- hills of the Sierra Nevada, between the San Joaquin and Merced rivers in August. One was seen in the chaparral above Kaweah, July 25, and another July 30. At Kernville the species was abundant in cafions above the village July 11-13, where as many as a dozen were seen at once, some sitting on the tree tops, while others were busily engaged in capturing winged insects after the manner of the cedar bird. 12731— No. 7 & 114 NOETH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Dr. Merriara met witli unusual numbers among the live oaks and chaparral between Kernville and Havilah, June 23; saw many in Walker Basin June 24, and several in Tehachapi Pass June 25. He also noted it as common in the Sierra Liebre June 30, and in the Granite Range, in western San Diego County, July 1-10. Mr. Palmer saw several in the San Francisquito Pass, north of New- hall, July 1, and Mr. Kelson found it common among the pifions a few miles west of the Canada de las Uvas, the middle of October. Mr. Bailey found a nest containing three fresh eggs in a mesquite, near Port Mohave, Ariz., March 4, 1889, and one containing young, several days old, February 28. Record of specimens collected of Phainopepla nitens. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 10!) 183 ? d Resting Springs, Calif Pananmit Mountains, Calif... Feb. 12, 1 Sill Apr. 23, 1891 A. K. Fisher ..do Surprise Canon. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. White-rumped Shrike. The white-rumped shrike is very generally distributed over the greater part of the desert region of southern California and Nevada. From its habit of associating in pairs and not congregating in flocks, it is seldom common in the sense that other birds are, though a consid- erable number may be seen in the course of a day's ride through suit- able localities. It is especially partial to the country covered by tree yuccas and seldom builds its nest in other growths where these abound. Many old as well as new nests were found which were so well protected by the strong, bayonet-like leaves of this plant that it was with diffi- culty they could be reached. The species was tolerably common at Hesperia in the Mohave Desert, January 4-5, and at Granite Wells, about the middle of January. At Furnace Creek and Saratoga Springs, in Death Valley, several were seen the last of January. At Resting Springs, California, a number were seen each day during the first half of February, and at Ash Meadows, Nevada, in March. It was not uncommon in Vegas Valley, Nevada, where Mr. Nelson found a small Perognathus and lizard impaled on thorns by it. In Coso Valley, California, the writer observed a number of insects and lizards fastened on the sharp-pointed leaves of the yuccas. In the latter place several nests containing eggs were found in the tree yuccas during the first half of May, and one near Darwin, in the north end of the val- ley, June 17. In the Coso Mountains shrikes were in sight most of the time, and a nest containing four young was found May 27. Four other young, just able to fiy, were seen on the same date. In Nevada Dr. Merriam found a nest containing six eggs on the east slope of the Pahranagat Mountains, May 26. It was so placed in a fork of a tree yucca that although easily seen it could uot be reached from May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 115 any direction. He found the species at Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains, April 30; in Desert Valley, May 20; in the Juniper Mountains, May 18-19; and on Gold Mountain, among- the yuccas on the south slope, June 3. On Mount Ma grader several were seen in Tule Canon, and thence up to an altitude of 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) in the nut pines, where it evidently was breeding, June 4-8. In Utah it was seen in the Santa Clara Valley near St. George, May 11-15; at Mountain Meadows, May 17; and among the tree yuccas on the south slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, May 10. Several were seen in the nut pines on the While and Inyo mountains, California. In Owens Valley the species was quite common and numbers of young birds were seen about the orchards and roadsides in June. Mr. Kelson found it breeding in thePanamint, Grapevine, Inyo, and White mountains and the adjacent valleys, and Dr. Merriam saw several in the clumps of mesquite, in Death Valley and Mesquite Valley, April 8-18 It was common in Kern River Valley, Walker Pass, and Walker Basin, and in the San Joaquin Valley between Bakersfield and Visalia. It is a question whether the individuals seen by the writer at San Bern- ardino, December 27-30, 1890; by Dr. Merriam in the southern part of San Diego County, July 1-10, and by Mr. Nelson along the route from San Simeon to Carpentaria and Santa Paula should not be referred to the California shrike (Lanius ludovicianus gamheli). Record of specimens collected of Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. Col- lector's Sex. No. 37 rf 61 d 97 ? 116 d 26 9 262 rf.jtiv. 263 9.JUV. 264 2.) 'iv. 296 cfjuv. 56 ? 57 rfjUV. 106 ? Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. Hesperia, Calif Granite Wells, Calif Death Valley, Calif Ash Meadows, Nev Twelve-mile Spring, Calif. Coso Mountains, Calif do do Owens Valley, Calif do do do Jan. 4, 1891 .Tan. 15, 1891 Feb. 3, 1891 Mar. 4, 1S91 Feb. 21, 1891 May 27, 1891 ...do ....do Juno 5,1891 May 13, 1891 ...do June 19, 1891 A.K.Fisher ...do ...do ...do F. Stephens. A. K. Fisher ...do ...do ...do F. Stephens.. — do ...do Mohave Desert. Do. Furnace Creek. North of Resting Springs. Lone Pine. Haway Meadows. Do. Independence Creek Vireo gilvus swainsoni. Western Warbling Virco. The warbling vireo was seen with very little regularity and was com- mon in few localities visited by the expedition. In Owens Valley Mr. Stephens saw one among the willows at Haway Meadows, May 13; found it common and migrating at Olancha, May 16-23; common in the lower part of the canon of Independence Creek, June 18-23; and heard several among the willows at the Queen mine in the White Moun- tains, Nevada, July 11-16. At Coso one was seen among the willows and rose bushes bordering a spring, May 23, and two were secured at the same place the following day. Dr. Merriam shot a specimen in worn breeding-plumage at Ash Meadows, Nevada, May 30, and saw a 116 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. pair at Kernville, in Kerii Riv.er Valley, June 23. It was not uncom- mon among the hills above Walker Basin, July 14, and Mr. Nelson noted a few at the head of Owens River the latter part of the month. Mr. Palmer found it common at Old FortTejon, where a nest containing four eggs, just ready to hatch, was discovered in a willow 10 or 12 feet from the ground, July 4. Record of specimens collected of Virco gilvus swainsoni. Col- lector's No. 252 253 Sex. Locality. Date. Coso, Coso Mountains, Calif. do May 24, 1891 ....'do Collector. A. K. Fisher. ...do Remark:}. Vireo solitarius cassinii. Cassin's Vireo. Cassin's vireo was observed in a number of places in the Sierra Nevada and sparingly in some of the other ranges. Dr. Merriam took a speci- men in worn breeding-plumage, June 28, at Old Fort Tejon, intheCafi- ada de las Uvas, California, the type locality of the species. AtMatu- rango Spring, in the Argus Range, a specimen was taken among the pifions, May 8. Mr. Nelson found it common at the head of Owens River and Dr. Merriam shot one among the junipers at Sheep Spring in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada, May 19. It was observed among the pines above Walker Basin, July 14; was common in the Sequoia National Park during the first week in August; was seen at Horse Corral Mead- ows, August 11; common at Kings River Canon, August 13-16; and one was secured at Big Cottonwood Meadows, September 5. Record of specimens collected of Vireo solitarius cassinii. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 210 303 157 d1 ? ? $ mi. Juniper Mountains. Nev ... Argus Range, Calif Old FortTejon, Calif Walker Basin, Calif Sierra Nevada, Calif May 19.1801 May 8.1891 Jm'u'28, J 891 July 14,1801 Aug. 22, 1891 C. Hart Merriam. . A. K. Fisher T. S. Palmer .... A.K.Fisher F. Stephens Maturango Spring. Olancha Peak. Vireo solitarus plumbeus. Plumbeous Virco. The only specimen of this vireo taken on the expedition was a male secured by Dr. Merriam at Sheep Spring in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada, May 19, 1891. It was in full song and was shot in the same tree in which a Cassin's vireo was killed a few minutes before. Vireo bellii pusillus. Least Vireo. The least vireo is a tolerably common summer resident in Owens Valley, where at Lone Pine adult and young were secured in June; it was seen by Mr. Stephens at Olancha, May 16-23, and at Bishop Creek, August 4-10. A specimen was secured at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 117 June 20, and the species was not uncommon in the canon above the ranch the following day. West of the Siena Nevada, it was com mo u at Bakersfield, in the San Joaquin Valley, July 17-20. Record of specimens collected of Vireo bclliipusillus. Col- lector's Sex. No. J 343 d" 351 J 318 9 3'J8 ?juv. 397 d Locality. Date. Collector. Ash Meadows. Nev May 30.1S91 Death Valley, Calif. June 20, 1891 do ) line 21. 189 i Owens Valley, Calif .June 8,1891 do i .1 :me 11, 1891 Bakersiield. Calif. July 19, 1891 V. Bailey A. K. Fisher ...do ...do ...do ...do Kcmarks. Furnace < Ireck. Do. Lone Pine. Do. Vireo vicinior. Gray Vireo. Mr. Nelson found this vireo rather common in the Grapevine Moun- tains, Nevada, where he secured a.specimen June 8. In Wood Canon, he saw several among the piiions, and on June 10 observed one carry- ing- material for its nest. This is the only locality at which the bird was found. Helminthophila luciae. Lucy's Warbler. This rare warbler breeds in the Lower Santa Clara Valley in south- western Utah, where two specimens were shot by Dr. Merriam, May 11 and 13, the former in cottonwoods along the Santa Clara River and the latter at a small pond near the village of St. George. Record of specimens collected of Helmintliophila lucicc. Col- lector's Xo. Sex. Locality. Date. Santa Clara, Utah .May 11 , 1891 St. George, Utah May 16, 1891 Collector. C. Hart Merriam . ...do Remarks. Helminthophila ruficapilla gutturalis. Calaveras Warbler. The Calaveras warbler, with the exception of a pair seen in Shepherd Canon in the Argus Range, California, April 29, was seen only in the Sierra Nevada. It was common in the Sequoia National Park during the first week of August, and a few were seen at Round Valley, 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, August 28. Mr. Nelson found it common at the head of Owens River and also on the western slope in the Yosem- ite Valley, in July and August. Record of specimens collected of Helminthophila ruficapilla gutturalis. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 194 405 9 Argus Range, Calif April 29, 1891 Aug. 4,1891 A. K. Fisher do Shepherd Canon. Sei|iioia National Park. 118 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Helminthophila celata lutescens. Lutesceut Warbler. This active little warbler was found to be abundant in a few places during- migration. At San Bernardino one was seen on the border of a stream, December 29, 1890. In tbe Panamint Mountains it was seen in Johnson Canon, April 12; by Mr. Nelson among the willows at the heads of Willow and Mill creeks, the last of May; and by Mr. Bailey and the writer near the ' charcoal kilns' at the head of Wild Rose Canon, June 23. In the Argus Range, it was common both in Shepherd Canon and at Maturaugo Spring the first half of May. Mr. Stephens saw a few migrating by Little Owens Lake, May 6-11; and at Haway Meadows, May 12-14. It was common along the South Fork of the Kern, July 3-10. In the High Sierra it was abundant in the Sequoia National Park, the first week in August; common at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13; at Bound Valley, 12 miles south of Mt. Whitney, August 28; and at Min- eral King, September 10-11. Mr. Nelson found it common at the head of Owens River and in the Yoseinite Valley in July and August. Record of specimens collected of Helm'miliophila celata lutescens. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 215 21C ? d d d im d im ? im Argus Range, Calif ....T.do ...... May 8, 1801 May 9, 1891 (lo . A. K. Fisher flo Maturaugo Spring. Do. 217 do ...do ... Do. Panamint Mountains, Calif. Sierra Nevada, Calif do June 24. 1891 Aug. 3, 1891 Aug. 22, 1891 Y. Bailey 159 E. W. Nelson F. Stephens South Fork Mercod River. Dendroica aestiva. Yellow Warbler. The yellow warbler was tolerably common in a number of localities visited by members of the expedition. Mr. Nelson found it a rather common breeding species among the willows along Willow Creek, Mill Creek, and Cottonwood Creek canons in the Panamint Mountains, and noted a few in Wood Canon in the Grapevine Mountains. The same observer found it common at the head of Owens Valley at the base of the White Mountains and up to 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) altitude at the head of Owens River, in the Sierra Nevada. The writer first ob- served the species at Coso, where an adult male was seen busily en- gaged catching insects among some willows and rose bushes on the evening of May 24 and the following morning. At Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, yellow warblers were common among the orchards and shade trees, June 4-15. In the same valley, Mr. Stephens found it common at Independence Creek, June 18-24; not com- mon at Benton, July 9-10, and the Queen mill, Nevada, July 11-1G, and saw two or three individuals in the cotton woods at Moraus, July 4-7. In Nevada, Dr. Merriam shot a male in Pahrump Valley, on a soli- tary mesquite bush at a small spring six miles south of Youut's ranch, May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 119 April 29. He saw others at Upper Cottonwood Springs, at the east base of the Charleston. Mountains, April 30; at Vegas ranch, May 1; at the Bend of the Colorado Elver, May 4; in the valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy, May 6 and 8, and on Mount Magruder, June 4-8. In Pahranagat Valley it was breeding commonly, May 22-26, this being the only locality in Nevada at which he observed it in any numbers. He found it common where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin in north- western Arizona, May 10, and breeding plentifully in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, near St. George, May 11-15. Mr. Palmer found it very common at Old Fort Tejon the first of July. All through Kern Valley, Walker Basin, and at Bakersfteld, in the San Joaquin Valley, this warbler was common in the willows along the streams during the first three weeks of July, and sparingly in the latter valley as late as October. Record of specimens collected of Dendroica cestiva. Col- lector's Sex. No. 293 d 94 d 128 ? 129 tfjuv Locality. Owens Valley, Calif . do : do do Date. June 5,1891 June 12, 1891 July 9,1891 ...do Collector. A.K. Fisher F. Stephens. ...do ...do Remarks. Lone Pine. Olancha. Benton. Do. Dendroica auduboni. Audubon's Warbler. The western yellow-rumped warbler was common as a migrant in various localities and not uncommon as a breeder in some of the moun- tain ranges. At San Bernardino a llock was seen in a clump of wil- lows, and a number associated with chipping sparrows were seen glean- ing insects from a field of early cabbage, December 28, 1890. A few were found among the willows bordering the reservoir at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California, during the latter part of January, and again on April 10, and a single one was seen at Ash Meadows, Nevada, March 21. It was not uncommon at Hot Springs in Panamint Valley, April 20-23, and at Maturango Spring, in the Argus range, the first half of May. In Nevada Audubon's warbler was seen by Mr. Nelson at Pahrump and Vegas ranches in February and March; and by Dr. Merriam in Pahrump Valley at Yount's Ranch, April 28-29; at Mountain Spring in the Charleston Mountains, and at Upjier Cottonwood Springs at the east base of these mountains, April 30. In Utah a few were observed still lingering in the Santa Clara Valley, May 11-15, though the bulk of the species had gone into the mountains before this date. In California Mr. Nelson saw a few migrants the last of May among the piflons at the head of Willow Creek in the Panamint Mountains, though none were seen later by him in these or in the Grapevine Moun- tains. The same observer saw a few in the Inyo Mountains from the 120 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. upper edge of the pinon belt to the summit of the range, June 24 to July 4j and sparingly in the White Mountains a little later. It was common at the head of Owens Biver, from 2,500 to 2,900 meters (8,200 to 9,500 feet) altitude) and also on the west slope in the Yosemite Valley and on the head of the Merced River. In Owens Valley it was observed at Lone Pine in December, 1890, and at Little Owens Lake, May 6-11. Along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada it was seen at Independ- ence Creek, where it was probably breeding, June 18-21; at Bishop Creek August 4-10; at Menache Meadows May 24-26; and at Big Cot- tonwood Meadows during the summer and early fall. It was common at Horse Corral Meadows August 10, and along the Kaweah Biver, where it was breeding, from 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) altitude up to timber line during the first part of August. Mr. Palmer found it rather common on the summit of Frazier Mountain, near Old Port Tejon, on July 9. Mr. Nelson found it common at San Luis Obispo, Santa Paula, Carpenteria, and in the San Joaquin Valley in November and December, 1891. llecord of specimens collected of Dendroica auduboni. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Kemarks. 2 90 2 3 ? im. d d San Bernardino, Calif Death Vallev, Calif Sierra Nevada, Calif do Dec. 28,1890 Feb. 1, 181U June 19, 1891 do A. K. Fisher ...do B. H. Dutcher • do Furnace Creels. Big Cottonwood Meadows. do 12 O do . do July 7,1891 July 20, 1891 do ...do .. 142 d Dendroica nigrescens. Black-throated Gray Warbler. The black-throated gray warbler was first observed among the pifions above Maturango Spring, in the A.rgus Bange, California, where a female was secured May 8, containing a large egg in the oviduct, and on the following day one was seen carrying nesting material in its beak. Mr. Nelson saw a few in the Panamint Mountains among the pifions on Willow Creek the last of May, and found them breeding among the same trees in the Grapevine Mountains. Above the 'charcoal kilns' in Wild Bose Canon in the Panamint Mountains, males were heard sing- ing by Mr. Bailey and the writer June 25. This warbler was found breeding in the Inyo and White Mountains and in the Sierra Nevada, at the head of Owens Biver. Dr. Merriam shot one at Sheep Spring in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada, May 19, and two in the nut pines on Mt. Magruder, June 5. Mr. Bailey saw a few among the pines on the Kaweah Biver the last of July, and the writer saw one on the Hockett trail near Little Cottonwood Creek, August 23, and secured a .specimen at Three Bivers, September 14. Mr. Nelson reported a few as seen along the coast from San Simeon to Carpenteria, Calif., November 4 to December 18. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 121 Record of specimens collected of Dendroica nigrescens. Col- lector's No. Si-x. Locality; Date. Collector. Remarks. d 9 d 9 9 9 9 9 d d 9 May 9, 1891 T. S. Palmer Maturango Spring. ...1"!(io"."1:... 1. .::::::::::: Jan. 31,1891 May 13,1891 A. K. Fisher ....do Resembling closely spilurus. 2:)c ....do 21 Feb. 17. 1891 June 9. 1891 ....do.. .May 11,1891 F. Stephens V. Bailey ....do ...' C.Hart Mcrriam.. Troglodytes aedon aztecus. Western House Wren. The western house wren was not seen in many localities, though when found it was not an uncommon species. A few were seen at Ash Meadows, N-ev., about March 20. Specimens taken at San Bernardino, Calif., in the latter part of December, 1890, were intermediate between this race and Parkman's wren of the northwest coast region. In the Pananiint Mountains it was hist observed in Johnson Canon, April 12, in Suprise Canon a little later, and in Emigrant Canon April 14-15. A few were seen in an alfalfa held at Grapevine Spring, on the western slopeof the Grapevine Mountains, the first week in April, and in Shepherd Canon, in the Argus Range, the last week of the month. Mr. Stephens found it rather common at Searl's garden, near the south end of the same range, April 23-26; at Bishop Creek, in Owens Valley, August 4- 10, and among the brush on the side of Heche Canon, September 22- 24. Several were seen along the South Fork of Kern River, July 3-10 and among the oaks above Walker Basin, July 14. Mr. Palmer found the house wren abundant at Old Fort Tejon early in July, and Mr. Nelson saw several in the Canada de las Uvas and along San Emigdio Creek about the middle of October. In the High Sierra, Mr. Nelson saw it at the head of Owens Biver, and on the west slope down into the Yosemite Valley. It was common in the Sequoia National Park during the first week in August; at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13; near tim- ber line in Bound Valley, 12 miles south of Mount Whitney, August 28* Mineral King, September 9-10; and at Three Rivers, in the western foothills of the Sierra, September 14. Record of specimens collected of Troglodytes aedon aztecus. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 3 4 d ? d d ■ d cfim 9im ? do Dec. 28,1890 do A. K. Fisher .. do Inclining toward parkmanii. Do. Johnson Canon. Panamint Mountains, Calif. Kern River, Call f Apr. 11,1891 July 4.1891 E.W.Nelson V. Bailey 139 Sierra Nevada, Calif do July 30,1891 July 22,1891 Auk'. 21,1891 Au-. 27,1891 E. W. Nelson F. Stephens ..do .. San Joaquin River. 155 do Olancha Peak. Round Valley, 12 miles south Mount Whitney. 424 do A. li. Fisher 136 NOETH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Cistothorus palustris paludicola. Tule Wren. The long-billed marsh wren was common in a number of places where tules and other rank vegetation occurred along the streams, lakes, or marshes. In Death Valley a few were seen at Furnace Creek and Ben- nett Wells, and a considerable number at Saratoga Springs during the latter part of January. Dr. Merriam found it common at the latter place among the reeds April 20. In Owens Valley Mr. Nelson found it at Keeler and Lone Pine in December, 1890, and Mr. Stephens re- ported it common at Little Owens Lake May 6-11. In Nevada it was common in Pahrump, Vegas, and Oasis valleys, and not uncommon at Ash Meadows in March. Dr. Merriam also found it common in the valley of the Muddy May 6, in Pahranagat Valley May 23, breeding in the tules, and Mr. Stephens saw several at Grapevine spring April 1-4. Record of specimens collected of Cistothorus palustris paludicola. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 93 132 ? Heath Valley, Calif Jan. 31.1891 Mch. 18,3891 A. K. Fisher Jo Furnace Creek. Certhia familiaris occidentals. California Creeper. The tree creeper was seen nowhere except in the High Sierra. Mr. Palmer and the writer saw it at the deserted Kaweah sawmill in the Sequoia National Park, and at other places in the same general region, the first week in August, and at Horse Corral Meadows a week later. Mr. Nelson found it at the head of Owens River and in the Yosemite Valley, and Mr. Dutcher at Big Cottonwood Meadows. The writer saw it at the latter place and also at Whitney Meadows and Soda Springs about the 1st of September. Mr. Nelson observed a few at Mount Pihos in October. Sitta carolinensis aculeata. Slender-billed Nuthatch. In California the slender-billed nuthatch was seen among the pines on several of the mountain ranges and in the oaks west of the Siena Nevada. In the Panamint Mountains it was not uncommon in John- son and Surprise canons among the pinons, where a pair was seen hunting for a nesting site April 20. Dr. Merriam saw several among the junipers on the north side of Telescope Peak April 17-10, and Mr. Bailey and the writer heard and saw it near the same place June 23- 21. A pair was seen among the pifions above Maturango Spring May 13; Mr. Nelson found it at the head of Owens River, and on the west- ern slope opposite, in July and August; and Mr. Stephens heard it near Queen station, Nev., July 11-16. Dr. Merriam saw one among the live oaks between llavilah and Walker Basin, June 24, one in Tehachapi Pass June 25, and Mr. Palmer reported the species as common at Old Mat, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 137 Fort Tejon the first week in July. The writer found it rather common in the Sequoia National Park during the first week in August, at Horse Corral Meadows August 9-13, in Kings River Canon August 13— 1li<»ibca. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 103 2 ? 9 ? d Feh. 8, 1891 Pel). 1", ism A. K. Fisher do do ....do..'. .Mar. 13,1891 May 9,1891 ...do ...do ... Polioptila califoinica. Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. The only place where the Galifornian gnatcatcher was observed was Reche Canon, near San Bernardino, where Mr. Stephens found it common, September 22-24. Myadestes townsendii. Townsend's Solitaire. Townsend's solitaire was found nowhere common by the expedition. In Cajon P ass, California, several were observed and two secured, January 2. One was shot at Lone Pine, in Owens Valley, in Decem- ber, 1890, and others were seen at Hot Springs, Panamint Valley, in January. In the Panamint Mountains, a few were seen in Johnson and Sur- prise canons, in April. Mr. Nelson found a few among the pifions about the head of Willow Creek, the 1st of May, and the writer saw a family in Death Valley Gallon, June 22. In the Sierra Nevada, Mr. Nelson found it sparingly on the western slope opposite the head of Owens River ; Mr. Stephens secured the young at Bishop Creek, the 1st *of August ; Mr. Bailey saw one among the sequoias and another among May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 115 the Pinus monticola on the Kaweah River; a few were seen in the Giant forest, August 3 j and several at Trout Meadows, September 7. Mr. Belding found a nest and four eggs, June 4, near Crocker's, on the Big Oak Flat and Yosemite Valley stage road. It was placed in a nearly perpendicular bank of a gold mine, within a short distance of the hoisting works, which were in constant use. In Nevada Townsend's solitaire was not uncommon among the cedars On the Charleston Mountains in March, and a specimen was secured in Oasis Valley, March 15, the only one seen there. Record of specimens collected of Myadestes townsendii. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 23 24 148 32 149 $ ! Cajon Pass, Calif Jan. 2. 1891 A. K. Fisher . ? do do do tf Panamint Mountains. Calif . . Mar. 31. 1891 do Oasis Valley. Nev.... Mar. 15,1891 F. Stephens . d im. Sierra Nevada, Calif Aug. 8, 1891 do Johnson Cafion. Bishop Creek: al- titude, 9,000 feet. Turdus ustulatus. Russet-backed Thrush. A female russet backed thrush was shot by the writer at Maturango Springs, California, in the Argus Eange, May 15, 1891, the only one observed there, and Mr. Stephens saw one at Olancha, in Owens Val- ley, about the same time. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii. Olive-backed Thrush. Mr. Belding reported this thrush as common in the Yosemite Valley, California, in June, and Mr. Nelson secured a female on the northern end of the Panamint Mountains, May 18. Turdus aonalaschkee. Dwarf Hermit Thrush. The dwarf thrush was seen only during migration. Several were seen in Johnson Canon, in the Panamint Eange, California, where a specimen was secured March 28. In the Argus Eange, it was not un- common in Shepherd Canon the last week in April, and at Maturango Spring one was secured May 8. Mr. Dutcher shot another at Big Cot- tonwood Meadows September 11, which was probably a migrant, as the summer resident was audubonu or at least what the committee on no- menclature of the American Ornithologists' Union consider Audubon's thrush. Mr. Bailey found the dwarf thrush common at Monterey the first of October, and Mr. Nelson observed it commonly in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo the last of the month, and along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and December. 12731— No. 7 10 146 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Record of specimens collected of Tardus aonalasclilcce. [No. 7. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 3G 9 » o" ? Panamint Mountains, Calif. Sierra Nevada, Calif Mar. 23, 1891 Sept. 11, 1891 Oct. 6, 1891 Nov. 10, 1891 do E. W. Nelson B. H. Dutelior.... V. Bailey Johnson Canon. Wi'j: Cottonwood Meadows. E. W. Nelson 1 ,lo do Turdus aonalaschkae auduboni. Audubon's Hermit Thrush. A race of the dwarf thrush, named Turdus sequoiensis by Mr. Belding, hut which the committee on nomenclature of the American Ornitholo- gists' Union decided to be not different from auduboni of the Pocky Mountain region, is a summer resident in the Sierra Nevada, and prob- ably in some of the desert ranges, though this is not certain, as speci- mens were not taken in the latter in summer. This applies to the rec- ords of individuals seen at Willow Creek in the Panamint Mountains, during the latter part of May, and on the east side of Waucoba Peak, in the Inyo Mountains, in June. In the Sierra Nevada Mr. Dutcher found the species common during the summer at Big Cottonwood Meadows, and Mr. Nelson reported it as abundant at the head of Owens Eiver and on the San Joaquin River. Mr. Stephens heard a thrush above the Queen mine in the White Mountains, Nevada, July 11-10; saw the species at Bishop Creek August 4-10, and about the lakes on Independence Creek June 18-23. Mr. Belding found it in the Yosemite Valley in June. Iiccord of specimens collected of Turdus aonalaschJcce auduboni. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 9 J 9 June 23, 1891 July 11,1891 July 10,1891 July 23,1891 B. H. Dutcher ...do Big Cottonwood Meadows. 16 do. ... White Mountains, Calif E. W. Nelson do Merula migratoria propinqua. Western Robin. The robin is a rather rare bird in the desert regions, even during migration and in winter. In Nevada several were seen at Ash Mead- ows in March. Mr. Palmer found it rather common from the valley up to the pifions on the west side of the Charleston Mountains in February, and Mr. Nelson saw it about the ranches in Pahrump and Vegas val- leys, and in Vegas Wash, in March. Dr. Merriam saw it on Mount Ma- gruder June 8, and in Utah, at Mountain Meadows, May 17. In Cali- fornia a few were seen at Furnace Creek, Death Valley, the latter part of January, and again on April 10. Several were observed at Besting Springs, in the Amargosa Desert, the first half of February. A few robins were seen about a spring in Johnson Canon, in the Panamint May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 147 Range, in April. Dr. Merriam saw several in the junipers in the same mountains April 16-19, and Mr. Kelson a few at the head of Wil- low Creek early in May, after which time none were seen. Several were seeen in the Argus Range, above Maturango Spring, the first half of May. Mr. Nelson found it in the Inyo Mountains among Pinus fiexilis and P. aristata, and in the White Mountains from the pifions up to 10,000 feet. In the Sierra Nevada robins were common in many places. Mr. Nelson found them common at the head of Owens River, on the east slope, and in the Yosemite Valley, on the west slope of the Sierra, in July and August. Mr. Stephens found them common at Independence Creek, where a nest and four young was found at the edge of the creek June 18-23; at Bishop Creek, where they were feed- ing on a red berry locally known as buffalo berry, August 4-10, and at Monadic Meadow, nearly to timber line, May l'4-20. They were common also at Big Cottonwood and Whitney meadows; among the pines above Walker Basin July 14, in the Sequoia National Park, among the pines and firs, and in the meadows, the first week in Au- gust; at Horse Corral Meadows, August 9-13; in Kings River Canon, August 13-16, and near Mineral King September 9-12. In the west- ern foothills of the Sierra they were seen as early as July 30 at Three Rivers, and Mr. Nelson found a few in the San Joaquin Valley October 5-27; reported them as common about San Luis Obispo October 28 to November 4, and found them generally distributed along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and Decem- ber. Record of specimens collected of Merula migratoria propinqua. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 85 1U8 d d d ?juv. Death Valley, Calif Resting Springs, < lalif Pananiint Mountains, Calif. Owens Valley, Calif .fan. 2!), 1891 Feb. 11,1891 Mar. L'8, 18!)1 June 19, 1891 A. K. Fisher ....do Furnace Creek. 107 E. W. Nelson F. Stephens.: Johnson Cafion. Independent! 1 i eels Hesperocichla naevia. Varied Thrush. Mr. Bailey saw several varied thrushes and secured a specimen at Monterey, Calif., the first week in October; he also found it common at Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, and at Auburn, Placer County, during the latter part of th.% month. Mr. Nelson observed a few in the lowlands about San Simeon, and found it common from Santa Maria south to Carpenteria and Santa Paula, where it was particularly nu- merous among the trees along the streams and in the canon. Record of specimens co 1 lifted of JTespcrocichla noevia. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 9 d Monterey, Calif Oct. 5.1891 Oct. 12,1891 V.Bailey ....do .:.... Boulder Creek, Calif 148 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. I No. 7. Sialia mexicana. Western Bluebird. The western bluebird was common in a number of places. At San Bernardino a flock of twenty or more was seen December 29, 1890; in Cajon Pass, March 30; in the cottonwoods bordering' the Mohave River at Victor, the same day, and at Granite Wells January 13. Mr. Nelson found the species common near Hot Springs, in Panainint Valley, California, in January, and a few at Pahrump and Vegas ranches in Nevada, in February and March. Dr. Merriam saw several small flocks on the north sids of Telescope Peak, in the Panamint Mountains, April 17-19, and Mr. Nelson found it on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada in August. It was very common along the South Fork of the Kern River, July 3-10; in Walker Basin, from the valley to the summit of the ridge, July 13-16, and in the Canada de las Uvas, June 28-29. In the High Sierra it was not uncommon at Sequoia National Park during the first week of August; was common in Horse Corral Meadows and Kings River Canon August 9-16, and was observed at Big Cottonwood Meadows and at the head of the Kaweah River later in the season. In the western foothills of the Sierra, at Three Rivers, it was common July 25-30 and September 12-16 ; and at Monterey, Sep- tember 28-October 9. Mr. Nelson saw a few in various parts of the San Joaquin Valley in October, and found it common along the route from San Simeon to Carpenteria and Santa Paula in November and December. Becord of specimens collected of Sialia mexicana. Col- lector's Sox. No. 13 9 14 d 15 d d 370 9.1UV. 39 d Locality. San Bernardino, Calif do do Charleston Mountains, Xev Kern River. Calif Sierra Nevada, Calif Date. Dec. 29, 1890 ....do ....do Feb. 13,1891 July 4,1891 Sept. 14. 1891 Collector. A.K.Fishei . ....do ...do E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher . B. H. Butcher Remarks. South Fork. Mount \\ hitney. Sialia arctica. Mountain Bluebird. The mountain bluebird is more or less common in the desert valleys during the winter, and breeds in the higher ranges among the pines. At Granite Wells, in the Mohave Desert, a number were seen Jan- uary 13-14. Unlike the western bluebird, this species was wary and difficult of approach. It is not evident what causes this shyness, un- less, perhaps, contact with the Indian, that ruthless and inveterate enemy to animal life, who attacks every bird throughout the year, no matter how small or in what condition, killing the mother of a de- pendent brood with as much eagerness as a fattened buck in season. In Death Valley a flock was seen at Mesquite Well, January 21. It was common at Bennett Wells and Saratoga Springs, and at Furnace Creek, associated with titlarks and savanna sparrows in the alfalfa fields, the last of January. Several were seen at Resting Springs, in May. 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 149 the Amargosa Desert, in February. Dr. Merriam saw a pair at Moun- tain Meadows, Utah, May 17. In Nevada lie found several in the juniper forest on the Juniper Mountains. May 18: on the Pahroc Mountains, May 21-22, and on Mount Magruder, June 1-8. In the latter locality this bluebird was breeding among the nut pines, where it was tolerably common. Several were seen at Ash Meadows, and among the cedars on the Charleston Mountains, in March, and in Pah- rump Valley, near the ranch, in February. Mr. Stephens found it not common in the Grapevine Mountains in March, and Mr. Nelson saw a few pairs about the summit of the peak and among the pinons, where they were apparently breeding, June 10-11. In the Panainint Moun- tains, California, Dr. Merriam saw several pairs at the north base of Telescope Peak, April 17-19, and Mr. Bailey and the writer found a number among the pines (Phi us aristata and P. flexiUs)^ near the sum- mit of the same peak, June 23. It was not uncommon in the Argus Eange above Maturango Spring during the first half of May, and a pair was seen on the summit of the Coso Mountains, May 23. Mr. Nelson found it not uncommon in the Inyo Eange above the pinons in June; a few among the upper pinons in the White Mountains in July, and at the latter place Dr. Merriam saw a number of males June 9 — the females evidently were sitting. In Owens Valley, according to Mr. Nelson, it was common in winter, and Mr. Stephens found it more or less common above this valley along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada up to timber line at Menache Meadows, May 21-2(3 ; at the lakes on Independence Creek, June 23; among the pinons at Benton, July 9-10, and at the lake on Bishop Creek, August 4-10. Mr. Nelson re- ported it generally distributed up to timber line at the head of Owens Eiver the last of July, but nowhere common, and Mr. Stephens found it common at the Queen mine in the AVhite Mountains, Nevada, July 11-16. Mr. Bailey saw a few on the western slope of Walker Pass, July 3, found it common at timber line near the head of the Kaweah Eiver, in August, and at Whitney Meadows in September. Mr. Dutcher found it a common summer resident at Big Cottonwood Mead- ows and vicinity, aud Mr. Nelson saw a few on the high ridge near San Luis Obispo, and in the mountains along the coast from San Simeon to Carpentaria in November and December. Record of specimens collected of S> alia arctica. Col- lector's No. Sex. Locality. Date. Collector. Remarks. 59 87 88 14 15 d d d d d d ? 9 Granite Wells, Calif Death Valley, Calif do ....: do Garlick Spring. Calif Ash Meadows, Nev Grapevine Mountains. Nov. Argus Kan^e. Calif . Jan. 14, rS91 .' Jan. 2ii. 1891 . Jan. 30, 1891 . ....do Feb. 10, 1801 A. K. Fisher E. W. Nelson A. K. Fisher ....do F. Stephens do . Bennett Wells. Furnace Creek. Do. 325 .'(7 235 Mar. i:;. 1891 . Mar. 21, 1891 . May 13, 1891 1 A. K. Fisher A. K. Fisher Maturango Spring. 150 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. T. LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. 1. Colymbus nigricoUis calif or nicus. Eared Grebe. A specimen was secured at Furnace Creek April 10. 2. Anas boschas. Mallard. One was secured at Furnace Creek in January. 3. Anas americana. Baldpate. The species was secured at Saratoga Springs and Furnace Creek in January. 4. Anas carolincnsis. Green-winged Teal. Common at Furnace Creek and Saratoga Springs in January. 5. Anas cyanoptera. Cinnamon Teal. At Furnace Creek flocks were seen in March, and one female secured June 19. 6. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. A small flock seen at Furnace Creek in January. 7. Dafila acuta. Pintail. Seen and secured at Saratoga Springs in February. 8. Erismatnra rubida. Ruddy Duck. A small flock was seen at Furnace Creek March 22. 9. Anser albifr on s gambeli. White-fronted Goose. One was seen with the following subspecies. 10. Branta canadensis (subspecies?) Four were seen at Furnace Creek in the latter part of March. 11. Plegadis guarauna. White-faced Glossy Ibis. The remains of one were seen at the ranch at Furnace Creek. 12. Nycticorax nycticorax nwvius. Night Heron. An immature specimen was secured at Furnace Creek June 19. 13. Eallus virginianus. Virginia Rail. Common at Saratoga Springs in February. 14. Fulica americana. Coot. Common at Saratoga Springs iu February and April. 15. Phalaropus tricolor. Wilson's Phalarope. One specimen was secured at Furnace Creek June 19. 16. Gallinago delicata. Wilson's Snipe. One seen at Furnace Creek April 11. 17. JEgialitis vocifera. Killdeer. Not uncommon; found at Furnace Creek iu January, April, and June; breeds. 18. Callipepla gambeli. Gambel's Quail. Common at Furnace Creek ranch. Introduced. 19. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove. Not uncommon; breeds. 20. Caihartes aura. Turkey Buzzard. Not uncommon; seen in March, April, and June. 21. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. One was secured at Furnace Creek iu January. 22. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Seen at Furnace Creek and Bennett Wells in January and April. 23. Accipiter cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. Seen at Furnace Creek in January. 24. Buteo borealis calurus. Western Red tail. Seen at Furnace Creek and Bennett Wells in January, and at the latter place in June. 25. Falco mexican us. Prairie Falcon. Seen at Furnace Creek in January and June. 26. Falco columbarius. Pigeon Hawk. Remains of one found at Furnace Creek. May,1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 151 27. Falco sparverim deserticolus. Desert Sparrow Hawk. Seen at Mesquite Wells, Bennett Wells, and Furnace Creek in January, March, and April. 28. Pandion haliaetus earolinensis. Osprey. One was seen at Furnace Creek April 10. 29. Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea. Burrowing Owl. A pair was seen at Bennett Wells June 21. 30. Geococcyx calif ornianas. Road-runner. Common resident. 31. Coceyzus americanus occidentalis. California Cuckoo. One secured at Furnace Creek June 20.. 32. Ceryle alcyon. Kingfisher. One seen at Furnace Creek April 15. 33. Colaptes cafer. Red-shafted Flicker. One was seen at Furnace Creek, April 10. 31. Phalcenoj)t>lus nuttalli. Poor-will. Secured at Bennett Wells Jauuary 28, at Saratoga Springs February 4, and seen at Furnace Creek April 10. 35. Chordeiles virginianus henryi. Western Nighthawk. A specimen was secured at Furnance Creek Juue 19. 36. Chordeiles texensis Texas Nighthawk. Seen at Saratoga Springs April 26. 37. Aeronautes melanoleucus. White-throated Swift. Common at Furnace Creek in April and June. 38. Calyple costce. Costa's Hummingbird. Seen at Furnace Creek April 12 and again June 19. 39. Myiai'dhus cinerascens. Ash-throated Flycatcher. A pair was seen in Furnace Creek Canon June 21. 40. Sayornia saya. Say's Phoebe. Not uncommon resident. 41. Sayoniis nigricans. Black Phcehe. It was seen at Furnace Creek April 12. 42. Empidonax wrightii. Wright's Flycatcher. A specimen was taken at Furnace Creek February 1. 43. Corvus corax sinualus. Raven. Resident. 44. Molotlirus ater. Cowhird. One was secured at Furnace Creek June 20. 45. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. Yellow-headed Blackbird. One was secured at Beunett Wells April 1. 46. Agelaius phwniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. A nock was seen at Furnace Creek the latter part of January. 47. Sturnella magna neglecta. Western Meadowlark. A not uncommon resident. 48. Icterus bulloelci. Bullock's Oriole. One was observed at Furnace Creek about the middle of April. 49. Scolecophagus cyanoccphalus. Brewer's Blackbird. A few Avere seen at Furnace Creek in January. 50. Carpodacus ntexieanus frontalis. House Finch. Not uncommon resident. 51. Ammodramus sandwich en sis alaudinus. Western Savanna Sparrow. Xot uncommon at Furnace Creek in January and April. 52. Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia. Intermediate Sparrow. Common at Furnace Creek in January and April. 152 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. 53. Spizella hreweri. Brewer's Sparrow. One was seen in Mesquite Valley April 13. 54. Amphispiea bilineata. Black-throated Sparrow. Seen on June 22 in the Panamint Mountains just above the valley. 55. Amphispiza belli nevadensis. Sage Sparrow. Common winter resident. 56. Melospiza fasciata montana. Mountain Song Sparrow. Common winter resident at Furnace Creek and Saratoga Springs. 57. Guiraea ccerulea eurhyncha. Western Blue Grosbeak. One was secured at Furnace Creek, June 19. 58. Passerina amcena. Lazuli Bunting. A female was secured at Furnace Creek, June 19. 59. Tachycineta bicolor. Tree Swallow. Common at Furnace Creek in March and April. 60. Tachycineta thalassina. Violet Green Swallow. Observed at Furnace Creek and Saratoga Springs in April. 61. Stelgidopieryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow. A not uncommon summer resident. 62. Lanius ludovicianm excubitorides. White-rumped Shrike. Seen at Furnace Creek and Saratoga Springs in January. 63. Yireo belli pusill us. Least Vireo. A not uncommon summer resident. 64. Dendroica auduboni, Audubon's Warbler. Seen at Furnace Creek in January and April. 65. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. Western Yellow-throat. A not uncommon summer resident. 66. Icteria virens longicaudq. Long-tailed Chat. A not uncommon summer resident. 67. Anfhus pensilvanicus. Titlark. Winter resident. 68. Oroscoples montanus. Sage Thrasher. One seen at Mesquite Well in January. 69. Mimus polyglottos. Mockingbird. Observed in January and April. 70. Harporhynchua lecontei. Le Conte's Thrasher. An uncommon resident; seen at Saratoga Springs, Bennett Wells, Furnace Creek, and in the northwest arm or Mesquite Valley. 71. Sulphides obsolctus. Rock Wren. One was seen at Mesquite Wells in January; breeds in the mountains just above the valley. 72. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus. Canon Wren. One was seeu at Saratoga Springs in February. 73. Thryothorus bewickii bairdi. Baird's Wren. Seen at Furnace Creek, Benuett Wells, and Saratoga Springs in January. 74. Cistothorus palustris paludicola. Tule Wren. Seen at Furnace Creek, Bennett Wells, and Saratoga Springs in January. 75. Regulu8 calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Seen at Furnace Creek in February and April. 76. Polioptila ccerulea obscara. Western Gnatcatcher. One. secured at Furnace Creek, January 24. 77. Merula migratoria propinqua. Western Robin. A few were seen at Furnace Creek in January. 78. Sialia arctica. Mountain Bluebird. A common winter resident. Mat,18931 BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 153 LIST OF BIRDS FOUND IN OWENS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. 1. Colymbua nigricollia cali/ornicus. Eared Grebe. Abundant on Owens Late; breeds at the smaller lakes. 2. Larus cali/ornicus. California Gull. Seen in December, 1890. 3. Larus delawarensis. Ring-billed Gull. Seen at Lone Pine and Owens Lake in December, 1890. 4. Larus Philadelphia. Bonaparte's Gull. One seen at Lone Pine, about the same time as the other gulls. 5. Pelecanus erylhrorhynchos. White Pelican. A flock was seen at Haway Meadows in May and an individual at Loue Pine in August. 6. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. Seen at Lone Pine and Owens Lake in winter. 7. Anas bosehas. Mallard. Not uncommon; probably breeds. 8. Anas discors. Blue-winged Teal. Seen at Little Owens Lake in May. 9. Anas cyanopfera. Cinnamon Teal. Seen at Little Owens Lake ; breeds. 10. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. Common during migrations. 11. Ay thy a amerieana. Redhead. One was seen at Little Owens Lake in May. 12. (ilaucionetta clangula amerieana. Golden-eye. Seen at Lone Pine, in December, 1890. 13. Charitonetta alheola. Bnffle-head. Seen at Lone Pine in December, 1890. 14. Branta canadensis (subspecies?). A flock heard at Lone Piue in December. 1890. 15. Dendrocygna fnlra. Fulvous Tree Duck. Breeds at Little Owens Lake. 16. Plegadis guarauna. White-faced Glossy Ibis. Seen at Little Owens Lake in May. 17. Boiaurus lentiginosus. Bittern. Seen at Lone Pine in winter, and at Alvord and Bishop in summer. 18. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron. Seen at Lone Pine, and at Little Owens Lake in June. 19. Ardea virescens. Green Heron. Seen at Little Owens Lake in May. 20. Nycticorax nycticorax navius. Night Heron. Not uncommon in the valley. 21. Ilallus rirginianus. Virginia Rail. Breeds at Lone Pine. 22. Porzana Carolina. Sora. Seen at Little Owens Lake early in May. 23. L'uliea amerieana. Coot. Common ; breeds. 24. Phalarupus tricolor. Wilson's Phalarope. Two specimens were secured at Alvord, June 27. 25. Jiccurrirostra amerieana. Avocet. Seen at Little Owens Lake in May, 1891, at Owens Lake in June, at the north end of the valley in July, and Lone Pine in December, 1890. 154 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. 26. Gallinago delicata. Wilson's Snipe. Seen at Lone Pine in winter. 27. Tringa viinutilla. Least Sandpiper. Common at Owens Lake in December, 1890. 28. Ereunetes occidentalis. Western Sandpiper. Secured at Owens Lake in June. 29. Totanus melanoleuous. Greater Yellow-legs. Seen at Lone Pine in December. 30. Numenius longirostris. Long-billed Curlew. Seen at Owens Lake in December and Juno. 31. Mgialitis vocifera. Killdcer. Common; breeds. 32. jEgialitis nivosa. Snowy Plover. Not uncommon at Owens Lake, where it is a resident. 33. Oreortyx pictus plumiferus. Plumed Quail. Common along tbe eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. 34. Callipepla ealifomica vallicola. Valley Quail. Common resident. 35. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove. Abundant breeder. 36. Calhartes aura. Turkey Buzzard. Seen all through the valley. 37. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. Not uncommon; breeds. 38. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk. „. Seen at Olaucha and Bishop Creek in the latter part of May and first part of August. 39. Accipiter cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. Seen at Bishop Creek in August. 40. Accipiter atricapillus striatulus. Goshawk. A hawk thought to be this species was seen at Lone Pino in December. 1890. 41. Buteo horealis calurus. Western Red-tail. Resident; more or less common. 42. Aquila ckrysalitos. Golden Eagle. A pair was seen in June. 43. Falco mexicanus. Prairie Falcon. Not uncommon; undoubtedly breeds in the neighboring mountains. 44. Falco colambarius. Pigeon Hawk. Seen at Little Owens Lake. 45. Falco sparverius deserticolns. Desert Sparrow Hawk. A more or less common resident throughout the valley. 46. Sirixpratincola. Barn Owl. The remains of one were found at Alvord. 47. Speotyto cunicularia liypogcea. Burrowing Owl. A not uncommon resident. 48. Geococcyx eali/ornianus. Road-runner. A common resident. 49. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. California Cuckoo. One seen at Bishop, August 11. 50. Cerylealcyon. Kingfisher. Not uncommon ; breeds. 51. Dryohates rillosus hyloscopus, Cabanis's Woodpecker. Seen at Bishop Creek in A.ugust. 52. Mclanerpes torqaalus. Lewis's Woodpecker. One seen at the head af the valley in .Inly. May. 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 155 r>o. Colaptes ca/er. Red-shafted Flicker. A not uncommon resident. 54. PJialcenoptilus nuttalli. Poor-will. Not uncommon; breeding throughout the valley. 55. Chordeiles texensis. Texas Nighthawk. A common summer resident. 56. Cypseloidcs niger. Black Swift. Common; breeds in the mountains on each side of the valley. 57. Chat ura vauxii. Vaux's Swift. Seen at Olancha about the middle of May. 58. Aeronautea melanoleucus. White-throated Swift. A common summer resident. 59. Trochilus alexaudri. Black-chinned Humming Bird. A common summer resident. 60. Calypte cosia. Costa's Humming Bird. A common summer resident. 61. Tyrannus vcrticalis. Arkansas Kingbird. A common summer resident. 62. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird. One was seen at Olancha, June 29. 63. Myiarchua cinerascens. Ash-throated Flycatcher. A not uncommon summer resident. 64. Sayornis saya. Say's Phoebe. A not uncommon breeding species. 65. Sayornis nigricans. Black Phoebe. Seen and apparently breeding at Little Owens Lake and Bishop Creek. 66. Contopus richardsoni. Western Wood Pewee. A common summer resident. 67. Empidonax pu sill us. Little Flycatcher. Seen at Olancha in May, and at Lone Pine June 11. 68. Empidonax wrightii. Wright's Flycatcher. Found at Olancha in May, and at Bishop Creek in August. 69. Otocoris alpestris arenicola. Desert Horned Lark. A common summer resident. 70. Otocoris alpestris chrysolcema. Mexican Horned Lark. Found at Owens Lake in December, 1890. 71. Cyanocitta stclhri frontalis. Blue-fronted Jay. Seen at Bishop Creek in August. 72. Aplielocoma californica. California Jay. Found on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. 73. Corvus corax sinuatus. Raven. Resident. 74. Picicorrus cohnnbianus. Clarke's Nutcracker. Observed at the head of the valley and Bishop Creek. 75. Cyanocephalus eyanocephalus. Pinon Jay. Seen at Benton and Bishop Creek. 76. Xanthoeephalus xanlhoeephalus. Yellow-headed Blackbird. A not uncommon resident. 77. Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. A common resident. 78. Agelaius gubernator. Bicolored Blackbird. A specimen was secured at Olancha, June 11. 79. Sturnella magna ncglecta. Western Meadowlark. A common resident. 156 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. 80. Icterus bullocki. Bullock's Oriole. A common summer resident. 81. Scolecophagits cyanocephalus. Brewer's Blackbird. A common summer resident. It may be a resident. 82. Carpodaeus mexieanns frontalis. House Finch. A common resident. 83. Sjnnus psaltria. Arkansas Goldfinch. A common summer resident. 84. Pooccetes gramineus confinis. Western Vesper Sparrow. Not uncommon at the head of the valley. 85. Ammodramns sandwichensis alaudinus. Western Savanna Sparrow. A not uncommon resident. 86. Chondestes yrammacus strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow. A common summer resident. 87. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow. Observed along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, where it breeds higher up. 88. Spizella breweri. Brewer's Sparrow. A common summer resident. 89. Spizella atrigularis. Black-chinned Sparrow. Secured at Independence Creek on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. 90. Junco hyemdlis thurberi. Thurber's Junco. Winter visitant in the valley; breeds on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. 91 Amphispiza bilineaia. Black-throated Sparrow. A common summer resident. 92. Amphispiza belli nevadensis. Sage Sparrow. A not uncommon resident. 93. Melospiza fasciata heermanm. Heermann's Song Sparrow. Tolerably common resident. 94. Melospiza lincolni. Lincoln's Sparrow. Found breeding at Independence Creek, on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. 95. Passerella iliaca megarhyncha. Thick-billed Sparrow. Found in the same place as the preceding species. 96. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx. Spurred Towhee. A not uncommon resident. 97. Pipilo chlorurus. Green-tailed Towhee. A common summer resident in the upper end of the valley. 98. Habia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak. Seen at Olancha and Ash Creek in May, and Independence Creek in June. 99. Guiraca cwrulea eurhyncba. Western Blue Grosbeak. A common summer resident. 100. Passerina ameena. Lazuli Bunting. A common summer resident. 101. Piranga ludoviciana. Western Tanager. A not uncommon summer resident. 102. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. A common summer resident. 103. Chelidon erythrogasler. Barn Swallow. A common summer resident. 104. Tachycinela thahmina. Violet Green Swallow. A common summer resident. 105. Clivicola riparia. Bank Swallow. Common at Alvord the last of June, where it was breeding. 106. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow. A not uncommon summer resident. May, 1893.] BIRDS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 157 107. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Bird. A pair was seen at Lone Pine Judo 14. 108. Phainopepla nitens. Phainopepla. One was seen at Morans in July. 109. Lanius tudovicianus excubitorides. White-ruruped Shrike. A common resident. 110. Virco gilvua sicainsoni. Western Warbling Vireo. A not uncommon summer resident. 111. Vireo belli pusillus. Least Vireo. A not uncommon summer resident. 112. Helminthophila celata lutescens. Lutescent Warbler. A few migrants were seen at Little Owens Lake in May, 113. Dendroica cegtiva. Yellow Warbler. A common summer resident. 114. Dendroica auduboni. Audubon's Warbler. Occurs in winter, and. probably breeds on Independence and Bishop creeks. 115. Dendroica townsendi. Townsend's Warbler. Migrants were seen at Little Owens Lake. 116. Geothlypis macgillivrayi. Macgillivray's Warbler. Found with young at Bishop Creek in August. 117. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. Western Yellow-throat. A common summer resident. 118. Icteria rirens longicauda. Long-tailed Chat. A common summer resident. 119. Sylvania pnsilla pileolata. Pileolated Warbler. A not uncommon migrant. 120. An thus pensilvanicus. Titlark. A common winter resident. 121. Cinclus inexicanus. Water Ousel. Follows down the streams into the valley in winter. 122. Oroscoptes montanus. Sage Thrasher. Breeds commonly in the upper part of the valley. 123. Mimus polyglottos. Mockingbird. A not uncommon resident. 124. Harporhynehus lecontei. LeConte's Thrasher. A common resident. 125. Hehodytes brunneicapillu8. Cactus Wren. Breeds in the southern end of the valley. 126. Salpinctes obsoletus. Rock Wren. A common resident. 127. Thryothorns bewickii bairdi. Baird's Wren. Common at Lone Pine in December, 1890. 128. Troglodytes a'e'don aztecus. Western House Wren. Seen in migrations and probably breeds on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. 129. Cistothorus palustris paludicola. Tule Wren. A not uncommon resident. 130. Pants gambefi. Mountain Chickadee. Rather common along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. 131. Psaliriparus minimus calif milieus. California Bush-Tit. Seen on Independence and Bishop creeks. 132. Poliojrtiht ccerula obscura. Western Gnatcatcher. Seen at Independence Creek in June. 133. Myadestes townsendii. Townsend's Solitaire. Seen at Lone Pine in December, 1890. 158 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. 134. Turdus ustulatus. Russet-backed Thrush. One seen at Olancha about the middle of May. 135. Turdus aonalaschJcce au&uboni. Audubon's Hermit Thrush. Breeds on Independence and Bishop creeks. 13(3. Mcrula viigratoria propinqua. Western Robin. Common summer resident along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. 137. Sialia arciica. Mountain Bluebird. Common! along the eastern slope of the Sierra NeArada. ANNOTATED LIST OF THE REPTILES AND BATKACTTTANS COLLECTED BY THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION IN 1891, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. By Leonh-ard Stejneger, Curator of the Department of Reptiles and Batrachians, U. S. National Museum. With field notes by Dr. C. Hart Merriam. Since the days of the great western surveying expeditions, the United States Exploring Expedition (Wilkes'), the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, the various Pacific Railroad surveys, and Wheeler's Survey West of the one-hundredth Meridian, no collection of North American reptiles and batrachians has been made equaling or even approaching that brought home by the Death Valley Expedition. In the extent of the series of many species it stands unrivaled, and in the accuracy and detail of its labeling it surpasses them all. To this point particularly it is desired to call attention. Many of the speci- mens of the older collection have the localities very vaguely indicated, as 'California;' 'From San Diego to El Paso;' in others, detailed locali- ties are given, but in such a way that in many cases it is impossible to identify them; in others, the labels have been changed, and errors resulted; others again were never labeled, or the labels were lost. In the collection of the Death Valley Expedition all the nine hundred specimens are individually and fully labeled; altitudes are frequently given, and there is not the slightest doubt as to the correctness of the statement attached to each and every specimen. Furthermore, the collection is particularly noteworthy as it is the first attempt in this couutry on a similar scale to gather the herpeto- logical material together according to a rational plan and with a defi- nite purpose in view. The result is a fine series of specimens, unique in its completeness with respect to geographic localities within the area explored by the expedition, a tract of almost 100,000 square miles, com- prising a number of nearly parallel desert valleys separated by in- tervening barren mountain ranges. The effort of the expedition to collect every species in all the characteristic localities from California to Utah and Arizona resulted in a material by which it has been pos- sible in many instances to follow the geographic variation in its various 159 160 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Xo. 7. directions. The present report does not pretend to exhaust this mate- rial, which will yield more definite results when the adjoining territory shall have been searched as thoroughly and as intelligently as that covered by the present expedition. With a material so well calculated to show the amount of individual variation within many species, and to determine the geographical dis- tribution of others, the author was enabled to settle many a vexed question and to point out many a nice distinction where some of his colleagues had failed, chiefly from lack of suitable material. If, there- fore, he has succeeded in somewhat advancing our knowledge of North American herpetology, thanks are principally due to Dr. 0. Hart Mer- riam, the untiring organizer and leader of the expedition, and to the zeal and intelligence of his assistants who evidently spared no effort to make the expedition a success. Personally I have to thank Dr. Mer- riam for the privilege of working up such a valuable and interesting material. Dr. Merriam has contributed field notes on many of the species, with special reference to geographic distribution and food habits. These notes are given in brackets over his initials at the end of the text relating to each species. LIST OF SPECIES. A. REPTILIA. I.— TESTUDINES. TESTUDINTD.E. 1. Gopherus agassizii (Cooper). 2. Clemmys marmorata (B. & G.). II.— SQUAMATA. 1. Sauri. EUBLEPHARID.E. HeLODERMATID^E. 3. Coleonyx variegatus (Baird). IGUAXID.E. 4. Dipsosaurus dorsalis (B. & G). 5. Crotaphytus bailey i Sbejn. 6. Crotaphytus wislizenii B. & G. 7. Crotaphytus silus Stejii. 8. Callisaurus ventralis (Hallow.). 9. Sauromalus ater Dam. 10. Uta stansburiana B. A r. Mar. Collector. Bailey . . .do Merriam ...do ...do ...do Bailey ...do ....do ...do Merriam ...do Nelson Palmer Merriam . . . Bailey Merriam Bailey ....do Nelson ....do ....do Fisher ....do ....do ....do ....do Stephens... ...do Bailey ...do Nelson ...do - Bailey Palmer ....do Fisher ....do ....do Nelson ...do ....do ...do ...do Bailey ...do Fisher ....do Palmer ....do ....do Fisher ....do Stephens - Nelson ....do Bailey ....do ....do ..:.do Nelson ....do Fisher Stephens . Fisher Remarks. ...do .. ...do .. Nelson ...do .. Mat, 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. List of specimens of Uta slansbiiriana — Continued. 177 U.S. Nat, Sex and Mus. age. No. 18577 d 18578 tf 18579 d 18580 9 18581 9 18582 d 18583 9 18584 J 18585 9 18586 d 18587 d 18588 9 18589 d 18590 cf 18591 d 18592 d 18593 d 18594 d 18595 d 18596 d 18597 d Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. Panamint Valley, Calif do do , do do Coso Mountains, Coso, Calif Panamint Mountains, Emigrant Spring, Calif. Moliave Desert, Leach Point Spring, Calif. Keeler, Calif FortTejon, Calif do Antelope Valley, Liebre Ranch, Calif. "Walker Pass (west slope), Calif Roses Station, Calif Kernville, Calif do Kern River, South Pork, Calif Fresno, Calif do Lone Pine, Calif Caliente, Calif. Feet. 1,575 1,575 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 ...do.... Jan. 5 Apr. 20 May 22 Apr. 14 Apr. 25 June 3 June 28 ...do .... ...do.... Bailey . ...do.. ...do.. ...do . ... ., Fisher Bailey . ...do . Fisher . . . Merriam. ...do .... ...do .... 4,600 2,700 '7,000 July 3 Oct, 13 June 23 ...do.... July 9 Sep. 23 ...do.... Dec. 19 June 24 Bailoy . Nelson . Palmer ...do .. Bailey . do . . ...do.. ...do .. Palmer Lone Pine Canon. Uta graciosa (Hallow.). The known range of this well-named species has been considerably extended by the few specimens brought home by Dr. Merriam, inas- much as it carries it into Nevada, the first record for that State. Uta graciosa has a very peculiar and considerably restricted distri- bution, for the only definite localities so far recorded show it to be an inhabitant of a narrow strip of country on both sides of the Colorado River, probably from its mouth up to the beginning" of the Great Canon, and, as now shown, some distance up the Virgin River. [This slender and agile lizard was not seen in any of the deserts of southern California or Nevada, except in extreme eastern Nevada, where it was common at the Great Bend of the Colorado; thence northward it was fouud in a few places in the valley of the Virgin as far north as the Mormon town of Bunkerville, a few miles from the northwestern corner of Arizona. It was never seen on the open desert but usually on mesquite trees and the faces of cliffs, over which it moves with grace and agility. — C. H. M.] List of specimens of Uta graciosa. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. Sex and age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. 18505 d d d Feet. May 8 May 4 ...do .... Bailey Merriam ....do 18506 18507 Callville, Nev. (Great Bend of Colo- rado) . do 12731— No. 7- -12 178 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Sceloporus magister (Hallow.). (PI. I, fig. 2.). The curious fate of Sceloporus marmoratus, or variabilis, in herpet- ological literature, as recently pointed out by me (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xiv, 1891, p. 185, seq.), is equaled, if not surpassed, by that of the present species and Sceloporus clarMi. The latter species was established in 1852 by Baird and Girard upon specimens from 'Sonora' (i. e., Arizona). Two years later, Mr. Hallo- well described another large specimen of Sceloporus from the vicinity of Fort Yuma as S. magister. With the material at hand then, and con- sidering the insufficiency of the descriptions, it is hardly to be won- dered at that Baird and Girard subsequently adduced Hallowell's name S. magister as a synonym to S. clarMi, or that they have been followed in this course by all subsequent herpetologists, with the possible ex- ception, perhaps, of Hallowell himself, who, in 1859 still retains the name S. magister. They are, however, undoubtedly good species, as will be shown further on. One of the more recent authors to monograph the genus, Mr. Bocourt, in 1871, seems to have recognized the difference between the two, as he thinks S. clarMi related to S. formosus, and S. magister to spinosus or acantliinus, but beyond these vague suggestions, there is nothing to indicate that he ever had the opportunity to examine specimens of either. In 1875 S. clarMi is recognized by Cope, Coues, and Yarrow, in their various publications, and zosteromus is made a subspecies of S. clarMi, but not even that much recognition is given S. magist er. In Yarrow's Catalogue and Check list of 1883 there is no change. In Cope's 'Synopsis of the Mexican Species of the Genus Sceloporus^ published in 1885, there is a decided inclination towards lumping several of the North American forms (see for instance the synonymy of S. undu- latus), but one is hardly prepared to find S. zosteromus raised to a dis- tinct species again and to the total abandonment of S. clarMi. True, the paper by its title refers only to Mexican species, but as it includes several species confined to the United States it seems evident that the species occurring in North America were also intended to be included. But in the same year we meet a decided novelty, as Mr. Boulenger, in the second volume of his Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum, makes S. clarMi a subspecies of S. spinosus, with the following synonymy: S. magister Hall.; S. floridanus Baird, and S. thayerii Bocourt (nee. B.& G.) ! And in addition he remarks : " This form appears to be completely linked with S. uudulatus." Before proceeding further I will note here that at least his specimen a, from the ' Colorado Bot- tom,' is true S. magister, and that possibly he has not seen S. clarMi, under which name this specimeu was probably sent to the British Museum by the Smithsonian Institution. The last monographer of the genus, Dr. Giiuther, in the reptile volume of Biologia Central! Americana (February, 1890), finally includes both May, 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 17D clarkii and magister as unconditional synonyms of 8. spinosus, evidently because he found a " want of agreement between the number of pores and the distribution of the species." However, had he first separated clarkii and magister by their proper characters which are not to be found in the number of femora] pores, he could not have missed the agreement looked for. I must myself plead guilty of having confounded 8. darkii and 8. magister, misled, as I was, by the almost unanimous verdict of herpe- tologists. If there was a settled question in regard to the Scelopori, I thought surely to have it in the identity of these two names. I re- garded no identification more secure than that of the specimens col- lected by Dr. Merriam in the Grand Caiion of the Colorado as S. clarkii * As a matter of fact, however, they are 8. magister. That I was finally undeceived is principally due to Mr. P. L. Jouy, who, while collecting for the National Museum near Tucson, southern Arizona, in 1891, had the good fortune to observe both species alive. In sending the specimens, he wrote me that he had undoubtedly two species which he could distinguish not only by their color when alive, but also by their habits and the different localities which they fre- quented, one being shy and agile, the other fearless and sluggish; one found only on the mesa and on the ground, the other near the river, and chiefly on trees and bushes. Not being able, upon a cursory ex- amination, to find any tangible character, I wrote back that there was only one big 8celoporus and 8. clarkii was its name. Upon his return, Mr. Jouy again brought up the question, and as he was so very persistent, I promised him to examine all the material carefully, a promise made more to please him than because I expected a different result. I went to work and it just so happened that the first two specimeus which I picked up belonged each to a different species. My eye at the very first glance hit upon the most distinctive character which separates the two, viz, the difference iu the spiny scales which protect the ante- rior border of the ear opening, a difference which is quite apparent upon an examination of the accompanying figures (PI. I, figs. 1 and 2). The constancy of the character was soon verified in a large series of specimens, as well as the concomitancy of the presence or absence of dusky cross markings on the dorsal aspect of the forearm and hand. It would have been difficult to ascertain the correct names of the two species from the published descriptions, but the types of both 8. clarkii and 8. magister are still in the collection, and fortunately they belong respectively to the two species. Upon plotting on a map the various localities from which I have examined specimens (about forty), it was shown that the two species inhabit different areas, and that the habitats come together and partly overlap in southeastern Arizona, notably around Tucson. But here * North American Fauna, No. 3, p. 110. 180 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. it is useful to remember Mr. Jouy's observation that the two species live apart in separate localities. Sccloporus magister, according to this, inhabits the desert region of southern California, as verified by numerous examples brought home by the Death Valley Expedition' and enumerated hereafter. Material from the same source shows that it penetrates into southern Nevada, and easterly into southwestern Utah, while Dr. Merriam, duriug his San Francisco Mountain Expedition in 1889, demonstrated its occur- rence in the Grand Canon of the Colorado. The most northern locality from which the species has been brought, and which has never before been recorded, I believe, is the Big Bend of the Truckee River in Ne- vada, at 'Camp 12' of King's expedition, where numerous specimens were collected by Mr. Robert Ridgway. Eastward it has been found in the deserts of southern Arizona as far as Fort Yerde and Tucson. Sccloporus clarMi, on the other hand, within the United States, seems confined to southeastern Arizona, whence it is found southward into Mexico for an unknown distance, probably confined to the western slope of the Sierra Madre, for it is pretty certain that S. clarMi and all its allied forms, or species, are confined to the western slope of the continent. The map used for plotting the distribution of the two species was the summer 'Rain- chart of the United States' by Charles A. Schott (published by the Smithsonian Institution in 1S68) and the coincidence of the dividing line between the two species with the isohyetal line of 6 inches seems to be more than accidental. Farther south in Mexico we find the typical S. clarMi replaced by a nearly related form, which, as it has received no name before, we may call 8. boulengeri;* Boulenger's 8. spinosus being in part this form. Still farther south we have another modification of the same type in Sccloporus acantMnus Boc, with its excessively long points to the dorsal scales. The locality whence came the type is St. Augustine, on the west slope of the volcano of Atitlan, Guatemala. Sccloporus magister has also representative forms toward the south. A very distinct species, but apparently of rather restricted distribu- * Sceloporus boulengeri, sp. nov., Plate I, figs, ba.-c. Diagnosis. — Similar to S. clarlcii but with fewer femoral pores; ear spines com- paratively short and broad; interparietal very broad. Habitat. — Mexico, west coast from Mazatlan to Guaymas. Type. — U. S. Nat. Mus.,No. 14079; Presidio, about 50 miles from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico; A. Forrer, coll. In the width of the interparietal the present form agrees with S. zostcromits, but the latter has nearly twice as many femoral pores, and its ear spines are long, nar- row, and numerous. May, 1893.] REPTILES OP THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 181 tion, of which specimens have come to hand only quite recently, is Sce- loporus oreutti* The only specimens seen have come from San Diego County, Southern California, and the only exact locality known is the Milquatay Valley, which Mr. C. R. Orcutt, who collected the specimens, and in whose honor the species is named, informs me "is just bordering the Mexican boundary, 50 miles east of San Diego by wagon road." It probably penetrates some distance south into the northern part of Lower California, in the southern portion of which its place is taken by 8. zosteromusA This species is closely allied to 8. magister. 8. eJarJcii, on the other hand, is more different from the latter than the latter is from S. zoster omits. I have above alluded to Mr. Boulenger having made 8. floridanus a synonym of his S. spinosus var. clarleii. Cope, on the other hand, makes it a synonym of 8. undulatus (Proc. Am. Philos. Soc, xxn, 1885, p. 398), but both are wrong, as an examination of the type specimen clearly proves. The fig. 6 on Plate I from this specimen shows that it has noth- ing to do with 8. clarleii, or any species of the group to which the latter belongs. On the other hand, the size of the dorsal scales easily distin- guishes it from 8. undulatus. It is in fact the same form which occurs all through southern Texas and which has commonly been called 8. spinosus. It is fairly separable from the true Mexican 8. spinosus by the greater number of femoral pores. The form occurring within the United States will therefore stand as Sceloporus floridanus, or 8. spino- sns floridanus (notwithstanding the fact that it does not occur in the peninsula of Florida) if the number of femoral pores should be found to intergrade. The most eastern point where this form has been found is Pensacola, Fla.; hence the name. It is needless to add that 8. thayeri B. & G. does not belong here; on the other hand, the specimens so described and figured by Bocourt certainly do. *Sceloporus oreutti sp. nov., plate I, figs. 4a-c. Diagnosis.— Similar to Sceloporus magister, but dorsal scales smaller, seven iu a bead length, very obtusely keeled and tbe spiny point scarcely protruding beyond tbe rounded outline; no nucbal collar; back with cross-bands of dark and paler brown, tbe dark bands being broader tban tbe pale ones; wbole underside pale grayish blue, without definite patches, the large males with the blue somewhat darker on throat, flanks, and thighs. Locality. — Milquatay Valley, San Diego County, Calif. Type.— U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 16330; Charles R. Orcutt, coll.; January 5. 1890. Although manifestly related to S. magister, this is perhaps the most distinct-look- ing species of the whole group, the comparative smoothness of the back and the very peculiar coloration being quite notable. The under surface is particularly remark- able when compared with the allied species, it being in fact unique among all the Scelopori which I have examined. It is quite probable, however, that the blue in the old males may deepen and darken as the season advances. The constancy of the species canbe vouched for, as I have examined ten specimens, eight of which are now before me, and they are all alike. t Plate I, fig. 3, shows some of the more essential characters of this species for comparison with the allied forms. 182 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. It will thus be seen that — oven looking apart from 8. Jwrridus — we find ourselves compelled to recognize at least six distinct forms, or spe- cies, where so high an authority as Prof. Gunther as late as 1890 has admitted only one. This different result is chiefly due, however, to the much more abundant material at my command, for while the her- petologists of the British Museum had scarcely more than 30 specimens to draw conclusions from, I am fortunate enough to have before me nearly 200 specimens, mostly from well authenticated localities, upon which to base the above results. [Thelarge scaly lizard known as Sceloporus magister is a Lower Sonorau species ranging across the southern deserts and desert ranges of the Great Basin from California to Arizona and southwestern Utah. Unlike most of the lizards inhabiting the same region, it does not run about on the open desert, but lives on the tree yuccas, the ruins of stone or adobe dwellings, the nests of wood rats, and other objects that afford it shelter and protection. At the mouth of Beaverdam Creek in northwestern Arizona it was common among cottonwood logs and dead leaves ; in Pahranagat Valley it was abundant about the ruins of stone houses and along the faces of cliffs; in the Mohave Desert and other localities it is common on the tree yuccas, where it was often found on the very summits of the highest branches, and where it was rather wary and difficult of capture without a gun. In California it occurs throughout the Mohave Desert, ranging as far west as the tree yuccas in Antelope Valley and Walker Pass, and thence easterly in Owens Valley, Borax Flat, and the Argus and Pana- mint mountains. In Nevada it was found on the Grapevine Mountains, in Ash Mead- ows, in Pahrump Valley at the foot of the Charleston Mountains, in Vegas and Indian Springs valleys, in Pahranagat Mountains and Val- ley, at the Great Bend of the Colorado Biver, and in the valley of the Virgin. In Arizona it was abundant at the point where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin. In Utah it was common in the Lower Santa Clara or St. George Valley. Sceloporus magister is a mixed feeder, both insects and flowers being found in the stomachs examined. At the Great Bend of the Colorado, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, stomachs were opened that contained insects only. One from the latter locality contained a large goldsmith beetle.— C. H. M.] May, 1803.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 183 I. is/ of specimens of Sceloporus magister. tr.s. Nat, Sex and Mils. ago. No. J 8096 9 . 18097 d 18098 9 18099 ? 18100 9 ,iuv. 18101 d j«v- 18102 9 L8103 d 18104 d 18105 d 18106 d j«v. 18107 d 18108 d 18109 d 18110 d jnv. 18111 d juv. 18112 d 18113 d 18114 d 18115 d 18116 d 18117 d 18118 d 18119 9 juv. 18120 9 18121 9 18122 9 18123 d 18124 d 18125 d 18126 d 18127 d 18128 9 18129 9 18130 9 18131 d 18132 9 j>w. 18133 d Locality. Pahranagai Valley. Nev. do.. .do. .do. .do. .do. Pahranagat Mountains, Nev Pahrnmp Valley, Nev Callville, Nev .'. A sh Meadows, Nev , do Vegas Valley, Nev Indian Spring Valley. Nev.. do Grapevine Mountains, Nev . Bunkerville, Nev St. George, Utah do Diamond V alley, 10 miles north of St. George, Utah. do Panamint Mountains, Cottonwood Canon, Calif. d<> Panamint Mountains, Willow Creek, Calif. do Walker Pass, Calif do do Mohave, Mohave Desert, Calif Near Mohave, Mohave Desert, Calif . do do Mohave Desert, near base <>f Gran- ite Mountains, Calif. Argus Range, Shepherd Canon, Calif. do Argus Range, Searl's Garden, Calif. Owens Valley (Lone Pine), Calif . . do Columbus, Nev Alti- tude. Feet. 4,100 5,000 4,800 4,800 3. 900 3,800 4,600 4,000 4,000 4,000 3, 000 Date. May 23 ...do.. .. ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... May 25 May 26 Apr. 29 May 4 Mar. 16 Mar. 20 May I Ma'v 29 ...do ... June 8 Mav 8 May 12 Ma'v 13 May 16 May 16 June 14 Mav 29 May 22 May 17 July 2 July 1 ...do .... June 26 ...do .... ...do --- Apr. 6 Apr. 25 Apr. 29 Apr. 27 Apr. 24 June 11 June 12 Dec. '90 Collector. Merriam ...do ... ...do ... Bailey . . Merrian Bailey .. Merriam ...do... Bailey .. Nelson . Palmer . Bailey . . Merriam Bailey-. Nelson . Merriam Bailey . . — do ... Merriam ...do... Nelson.. ...do ... ...do ... .. do... Bailey .. ...do... ... do ... Palmer . Merriam ...do ... ...do ... Bailey . . Fisher.. ...do ... Stephens Fisher . . ...do ... Bailey . . Remarks. Yucca belt. 4,000 feet above Salt Wells, Mesquite Val- ley. Lava rock. Do. 4,400 feet above Salt Wells. On rocks. Sceloporus graciosus B. & G. The size of the dorsal scales in this species is very variable, the num- ber of scales in a head length varying from eleven to sixteen. Both ex- tremes are represented in the present collection. In the two smallest specimens the numbers are fifteen and sixteen; in a slightly larger one from Mount Ma gruder, Nevada, there are fourteen; in two full-grown specimens from the same locality, thirteen and twelve; one from the east slope of the High Sierra west of Lone Pine, Calif, (altitude 8,000 feet), has also twelve; and in a couple from the Juniper Mountains, Nevada altitude 6,700 feet), the number of scales in a head length is only eleven. From this it might be supposed that the difference in the ratio between the head and the dorsal scales depended upon age, but in the types of the species (U. S. Nat. Mus. 2877, Great Salt Lake, Utah, Capt. Stansbury coll.), which are fully as small as the smallest specimens mentioned 184 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. above with fifteen and sixteen scales to the head length, the number is only twelve, while in two full-grown males from Fort Klamath, Oregon (U. S. Nat. Mus. Nos. 15437-15438, Dr. Merrill, coll.), there are fifteen and fourteen, respectively. [This species, which is a characteristic inhabitant of the Upper So- noran and Transition zones in northern Nevada, eastern Oregon, and Idaho, was very abundant on the sage-covered plateau of Mount Ma- gruder at an altitude of about 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) ; in the sage l>lains on top of the White and Inyo mountains near the boundary be- tween California and Nevada; and on the east slope of the Sierra Ne- vada west of Owens Valley (at 2,450 meters, or 8,000 feet). It was com- mon also among the sage and juniper on the Juniper Mountains along the boundary between Nevada and Utah. Sceloporus graciosus is generally found in company with such Tran- sition Zone species as the sage thrasher {Oroscoptes onontanus), Brewer's sparrow (Spizella brewer i), the Nevada sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli nevadensis), the sage plains chipmunk (Tamias minimus pictus), the sage brush pocket mouse (Perognathus olivaceus), and the sage plains sper- mophile (SpermopMlus mollis). — O. II. M.] List of specimens of Sceloporus graciosus. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 18134 18135 1813. amabilis which would justify a trinominal appellation for the present, Cope (?. c.) calls attention to Bocourt's lapsus of giving twenty-nine scale rows. That it is a lapsus is evident from Boconrt's comparison of the two species, in which he distinctly credits Ck. buttw with thirty-nine. 204 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. The only specimen (No. 18684) collected is typical in coloration and within the known range of this form. It was obtained by Mr. E. W. Nelson in Yosemite Valley, California, August 7, 1891. Lampropeltis boylii (B. & G). The six specimens brought home by the expedition give no occasion for any extended remarks, as they are quite typical in every respect, with no leaning toward var. conjuncta Cope, from Cape St. Lucas and Yuma; calif ornce Blainville, from San Diego, or eisenii Yarrow, from Fresno. The two Nevada specimens differ from those from California in having the frontal longer than the interparietal suture, but in a lot of true L. boylii from Fresno (U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 11787) I find a specimen ex- actly like tlie above from Nevada. [This large and conspicuous snake, whose cream colored body is sharply marked by rings of black, was first found in the Valley of the Lower Muddy near an abandoned mill at Overton, Nevada, where sev- eral were secured in dense thickets of Atriplex torreiji. About dark they began to emerge from these retreats, making a great noise in crawling over the dry leaves, and were soon found in the open. The species was obtained also in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, a little north of the middle of the valley. On the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, in California, specimens were collected in Kern Valley, at Three Rivers, and on the east fork of Kaweah River. — C. H. M.] List of specimens of Lampropeltis boylii. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 18000 18001 18002 18003 18004 18005 Sex and age. Locality. Three Rivera, Calif do South fork, Kern River, 25 miles above Kern ville, Calif. East fork, Kaweah River, Calif. . . Overton, Muddy Valley, Nevada.. do .' Alti- tude. Feet. 1,700 Date. July 27 ...do ... July 9 July 27 May 6 ...do... Collector. Palmer . Fisher .. ...do... Bailey . . Merriam Bailev . . Remarks. Hypsigleiia ochrorhynchus Cope. The only specimen obtained by the expedition was collected by Br. A. K. Fisher in Shepherd Canon, in the Argus Range, California, April 24, 1891. It (No. 18071) is somewhat peculiar on account of the small size of the dorsal spots, though otherwise it agrees well with the types from Cape St. Lucas, Lower California, as well as with a number of specimens from Arizona. The characters pointed out by Cope as distinguishing H. chlorophcea, types from Fort Buchanan, southern Arizona, are so variable in the specimens before me that they will not serve the purpose. I am not quite prepared to give up the latter species as yet, inasmuch as the type specimen (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. May, 1893.| REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 205 4G76; only one specimen is now in the collection) has no pseudo- preocular, a character only shared by a specimen from the city of Chi- huahua, Mexico (U. S. Nat. Mus. No., 14287), while it is present in all the other specimens. These two specimens, therefore, I shall continue to call H. chlorophcea until it be shown that the absence of the pseudo- preocular is only an individual variation. The specimen collected by the expedition adds a new species to the fauna of the State of California, if I am not mistaken. Assuming, for the present at least, the distinctness of S. chlorophwa, we would have three species or forms within the United States, includ- ing an undescribed species from southwestern Texas,* which may be distinguished as follows: «'. Upper surface of head flat. il. No pseudopreocular H. chlorophcea. b*. Psemlopreocnlar present //. ochroi'hynchus. a1. Upper surface of head convex H. texana. Salvadora grahamiae hexalepis Cope. (PI. in, fig. 2). The four specimens collected by the expedition belong to this form, as I now understand it, that is to say, to the form which possesses at least one true subocular (by this term excluding the subpreocular, or pseudopreocular). One of the specimens (No. 18062 Virgin River, Nevada) possesses only one subocular (anterior), and agrees in this respect perfectly with specimens from Fort Whipple, Arizona (type locality); Mohave Villages, Arizona; Cottonwood Canon, Utah, and Valle de la Viejas, San Diego County, California. The three other specimens, however, differ from all the other specimens I have seen in also having a posterior subocular, thus isolating the eye entirely from the labials. The individual variation in this species is too great, however, to allow a subdivision on these lines without a much greater material to sup- port it. There is evidently a tendency towards dividing up the labials transversely in the region indicated by the localities mentioned above, and as this subdivision seems to be proportionate to the greater width of the rostral, it would be natural to conclude that the two characters may have a common origin. The fact that these localities are the most arid of all those from which I have specimens of Salvadora is very sug- gestive, since these snakes to a great extent live in holes in the ground. * Hypsiglena texana, sp. n. Diagnosis. — Similar to TI. ochroi'hynchus, hut with the upper surface of the head convex, the lateral outline of the frontal curved outward, and the dark eye stripe covering more than upper half of the sixth supralabial. Scale rows, 21; gastrosteges, 175; urosteges, 43; supralabials, 8; preoculars, 1; pseudopreocuhirs, 1: postoculars, 2; temporals, 1. Type. — U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1782; between Laredo and Camargo, Tex..; U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Arthur Schott, coll. Habitat. — Southwestern Texas In addition to the type specimen the museum possesses two other specimens, one collected by Mr. W. Taylor at San Diego. Texas (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 15672),. and one by Mr. Butcher at Laredo (No. 7124). Both agree in every respect with the type, 206 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. The gradation of this form into 8. grahamkv, without subocnlars, is shown by a specimen collected by Dr. Edward rainier at St. Thomas, Nev. (U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 15G1G), which has one on one side but none on the other. [St. Thomas is less than 30 miles from the point where my specimen (No. 18002) was collected, and is in the same valley. — C. H. M.J. List of specimens of Salvadora grahamice hexalejris. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. Sex anfl age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. 18059 Argus Range, Shepherd Canon, Calif. Argus Range, Maturango Spring, Calif. Feet'. Apr. 26 May 2 Mar. 16 May 8 18060 18061 ....do Palmer PI. in, fig. 2. 1,000 feet above the Ainargosa river. 18062 Virgin River, near Bunkerville, Nev. Pituophis catenifer (Blainv.). The only two specimens which I can refer to the typical form of this species are from the coastal or west slope of the Sierra Nevada, and from Old Fort Tejon, in the Canada de las Uvas, California, and are better recognized as such by their coloration and general aspect than by any exclusive structural character. True, the carination of the scales is weak and tha eight outer scales are smooth in both, but the character derived from the carination is a very elusive one, as will be demonstrated under the heading of the next form, and can not alone be relied upon to define these very difficult and variable snakes. List of specimens of Pituophis catenifer. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. Sex and age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. 18063 18061 South Fork Kings River, Calif Old Fort Tejon, Calif Feel.. 8, 000 Aug. 17 July 8 Palmer do Puibb's Creek. Pituophis catenifer deserticola, subsp. nov. By this name I propose to designate the form usually called P. bel- lona, or P. sayi bellona, as there can be no doubt that Baird's and Girard's, original GhurchilUa SeZZowa, which came from Presidio del Norte, Chihua- hua, Mexico, was a typical P. sayi. The type appears now to be lost, but I nave before me a specimen from the identical locality (U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 1542) with a most pronouncedly narrow rostral and agreeing with P. sayi in all other respects also. Of all the later names applied to va- rious forms or individuals of the present species none seem to have been based upon the richly-colored form from the Great Basin and the May, 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 207 southwestern deserts, which agrees with true P. catenifer in having a broad and low rostral. That Baird and Girard later referred specimens of this form to P. bellona can not, of course, justify the shifting of this name to another type. As a general rule this form has a more pronounced carination of the scales and a less number of smooth scales on the sides, but this char- acter can not be relied upon at all, and whether a specimen shall be referred to either typical P. catenifer or to this desert form must be decided upon the totality of the characters, as a reliance upon the car- ination leads to very erroneous results. This will be plain at once to anjr one who will take the trouble to examine and compare the descrip- tions of the various species described by Baird and Girard in their Catalogue of North American Serpents, and as I have examined a number of their specimens I am able to state that the descriptions are generally correct. It will then be found that these Pacific coast speci- mens have only three to live outer rows perfectly smooth, while as synonyms of P. catenifer, the types of P. wilkesii, etc., 'ought' to have nine rows of smooth lateral scales. Again, both types of P. mc- cleUanii which 'ought' to have only five smooth rows, because being- true P. sayi, have at least seven smooth rows. Furthermore, it has been asserted that the typical P. catenifer occurs as far east as Pyrmont,* Nev., upon the strength of U. S. National Museum No. 8139. This number contains two specimens so alike otherwise as to preclude the possibility of their belonging to two different species. Why they should be referred to P. catenifer I can not discover, for one has only three perfectly smooth scale rows, while in the other the num- ber is four or five. Ou the other hand, of two specimens in the present collection, both from the Panainint Mountains, Calif. (Nos. 18065 and 18066), one has only four rows of smooth scales on each side, while the other has ten. In every other respect the two are practically alike and no one could reasonably refer them to two different species. Yet that would have to be done were we to use the number of smooth scale rows as a character. [This subspecies, according to Mr. Stejneger, is the form inhabiting the Great Basin, while, as pointed out above, typical P. catenifer is restricted to the coastal .slope of California. On the east side of Pahrump Valley, Nevada, one of these snakes measuring 5 feet in length was killed April 29, among the tree yuccas along the upper edge of the Larirea belt, at an altitude of 1,310 meters * The name ' Pyrmont ' appears in the Rept. Wheeler Survey, V, 1875, Zoology, p. 541, the specimens referred to having been taken there by the Wheeler Expedition of 1872. This is probably the same place as Piermont, which is given on map sheet No. 49 of the Wheeler Survey, and on the 'Map of California and Nevada with Parts of Utah and Arizona,' published by the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, 1879. Pier- mont is ou the west side of Spring Valley and on the east slope of the Shell Creek Eange. It is in White Pine Comity, Nev., about 75 miles due east of the town of Eureka. 208 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. (4,400 feet). Another was obtained on the east slope of the Beaverdam mountains, in southwestern Utah, May 11. In California, specimens were obtained at Lone Pine and Haway Meadows in Owens Valley, and in the Panamint and Argus moun- tains.—C. H. M.] List of specimens of Pituophis catenifer deserticola. U.S. Nat. Mils. No. Sex and age. 180G5 18060 18067 18068 18069 16070 Locality. Panamint Mountains, Jackass Spring, Calif. Surprise Canon, Calif Argus Range, Shepherd Canon, Calif Ten miles south of Owens Lake, ( 'alif Owens Valley (Lone Pine), Calif Beaverdam Mountain, Utah Alti- tude. Feet. 3,750 May 7 April 2?> April 26 May 12 June 4 May 11 Collector. Nelson... Fisher . . . ....do .... Stephens Fisher . . . Morriam . Remarks. Haway Meadows. Bascanion flagellum frenatum, subsp. nnv. Diagnosis. — Adults with permanent brownish or blackish bars across the nape; young with a distinct whitish line from nostrils through eye and across temporals, this stripe often persistent in adults; chin and throat speckled with blackish. Habitat. — Southern Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, and Lower California. Type. — U. S. National Museum, No. 10340. Mountain Spring, Colo- rado Desert, San Diego County, Calif.; C. R. Orcutt coll. There is no good reason why the various geographical forms of Bas- canion flagellum should not be recognized by name, inasmuch as they are well marked, fairly constant, and characteristic of circumscribed geographical areas. It is somewhat doubtful whether the form from the Cape St. Lucas region should not be recognized by a separate name also, but the mate- rial at hand is too scant to warrant any separation for the present. Say's Coluber testaceus, the adults of which are uniform above, is apparently confined to the country east of the Pocky Mountains, and the naine inapplicable to the form so strongly marked, as indicated in the diagnosis above. In the search for a possible name among the vari- ous synonyms I was led to examine thetype of Baird and Girard's Masti cophis mormon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. L'012), from the Great Salt Lake, in the hope that it might be available for the present form, since it is sometimes found quoted in the synonymies of lBascanium testaceumf but it proved to be a young B. flaviventre, and a new name had conse- quently to be adopted. This species was not collected by the expedition in the interior valley of California, but specimens in the U. S. National Museum from various localities show that it occurs there. May, 1893 REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 209 The present form has undoubtedly as much right to a separate name as Bascanion piceum Cope, the ehief character of which, in addition to the uniforn dusky coloration above, seems to be the nineteen scale- rows of the type and only specimen hitherto recorded, against the nor- mal seventeen rows in B. fiagellwm and its allies. I have, however, before me a specimen (U. S. Nat. Mas., No. 17950) collected by Mr. P. L. Jouy, near Tucson, Ariz., which, though evidently by color a B. piceum, has only seventeen scale rows. Of the specimens collected, No. 18088 is particularly interesting, as having an undivided anal. The fact that an undivided anal has been observed several times in B. flagellum and allies is quite an argument in their favor who would not attribute < generic value' perse to the division or nondivision of the anal plate. List of specimens of Bascanion flagellum frenulum. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 18081 18082 18083 18084 18085 18086 180S7 18088 18089 Sex and .1 u n . inn. Locality. Overton (Muddy Valley), Nov Vegas Vallev, Nev Death Valley, Bennett Wells, Calif. Death Valley, Furnace Creek, Calif. Panainiut Valley, Calif Panamiut Valley, Hot Springs, Calif. Colorado Desert, Falm Springs, Calif. Keeler, Owens Lake, Calif Deep Spring Valley, Calif Alti- tude. Feet. 4,100 Date. May (> May 1 Jan. ':\ Juno 20 May 15 Apr. 22 Sept. 27 June 12 June 9 Collector. Merriam. ...do.... Nelson... Fisher. .. Nelson . . . Merriam. Stephens Talmer .. Merriam. Remarks. Sit )mys in stom- ach. Killed in a cellar. Head only. Bascanion laterale (Hallow.). Three typical specimens were collected on the west or coastal slope of the Sierra Nevada and Tejon Range, California, and one from the western slope of the Coast Range, in San Diego County, Calif. This species seems to be comparatively rare, and considerable addi- tional material is necessary to enable us to satisfactorily map out its geographical distribution. List of specimens of Bascanion laterale. U.S. Nat, Mus. No. Sex and age. 18077 18078 18079 18080 | ' i 1 Locality. Old Fort Tejon, Calif Three Rivers, Calif Walker Pass, west slope, Calif. j Santa Ysabel, Calif Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Feet. July 2 j Palmer 850 Sept. 14 Bailey..., I July 3 | Fisher... I Oct. G J Stephens Remarks. 12731— No. 7 14 210 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Ko. 7. Bascanion taeniatum (Hallow.). The range of the present species is somewhat better understood than that of B. laterale. It is much more widely distributed, as specimens have been taken in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, but it does not seem to reach the coast, nor does it appear to occur in the Valley of California, except at two points. These are Walker Basin (U. S. Nat, Mns., No. 0498) and Shasta County, northern California, where it probably enters by way of the Pit River Valley, as one specimen is from Baird, on the McCloud River (U. S. Nat. Mns., No. 13018), the other from Canoe Creek (No. 1983), both tributa- ries of Pit River. List of specimens of Bascanion tceniatum. V. s. Nat. Mus. No. 18073 1S074 18075 18076 Sex and Locality. A reus Bongo, Matnrarigo Spring, Calif Ciiso Valley, Calif Coso Valley, nearMaturango Spring, Calif...-' Coso Mountains, Coso, Cnlif Panamint Mountains, Willow (reek, Calif. Alti- tude. 5, 4U0 Date. May May May 11 May 18 May, 19 Collector. Fisher . Do... Palmer Fisher . Nelson . Remarks. Thamnophis" infernalis (Blainv.). The status of the various forms of garter snakes in North America is one of the most difficult problems, and as yet an unsolved one. Much more material than is at present available will be necessary in order to establish the limits of the species and subspecies, to define their char- acters, to ascertain the range of individual variation within each form, and to settle the many knotty points of nomenclature. For the present, the reference of many specimens must necessarily be a provisional one, and individuals which one herpetologist might identify as be- longing to one form are very likely to be named quite differently by another, and our knowledge of the geographical distribution of a num- ber of these forms must consequently also be defective. It would there- fore hardly be wise to make any generalizations in this direction. Under such circumstances, when the limits and true characters of the various forms are yet unsettled, it seems unnecessary to make an attempt at recognizing a distinction between specific and subspecific terms. With * According to the A. O. II. Code of Zoological Nomenclature (canon XLll), Tham- nophis Fitzinger, 1843 (type Th. saurita), takes the precedence over Eutainia Baird & Girard. Apropos of my introduction of Leptotyphlopa of Fitzinger for Stenostoma, preoccupied, it lias been asserted that Fitziuger's names are nomina mi da. The simple fact that Fitzinger expressly indicated the type of the genus at once removes them from that category, and moreover, the code referred to states in so many words that the indication of the type species is sufficient for the establishment of the ge- neric term. May. 1803. REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 211 this proviso I shall designate the forms which I have recognized among the material of the Death Valley Expedition by binominals. Whether the form called Eutainia infemalis by Band and Girard, and later by Prof. Cope, really is the same as Blainville's Coluber infemalis is to me a question which even Bocourt's recent paper (Bull. Soc. Zool. France, XVII, Jan. 2G, 1892, p. 40) fails to settle, because he evidently includes several forms which we on this side of the Atlantic would not think of uniting. As the four specimens before me (Nos. 18711-18714) agree with the specimens which are usually called E. infemalis, I have adopted this term for the present. Two of these specimens have nineteen scale-rows and eight supra- labials (Nos. 18711, 18712), and all are uniform dark above with three well-defined buff-colored bands. No. 18711, the larger specimen, has the supralabials well bordered with blackish, while in No. 18712 these marks are obsolete. The latter is somewhat abnormal in having the second row of temporal s fused, together. The two specimens from Mono (Nos. 187L3-18714), on the other hand, have twenty-one scale-rows and the labials (eight) well bordered with black. List of specimens of Thamnophis infemalis. r. s. Nat. Sex ami Mas. age. No. j . Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Keniarks. 1 18711 atl. 1 18712 l San Joaquin River, High Sierra. ( lalif. Feet. 8,100 July 29 Oct. 5 Nelson Bailey Nelson ....do Near Mam- moth Pass. 18713 18711 Horro, San Luis Obispo County, Calif Nor. 10 ..do Thamnophis elegans (B. »fc G.). Of the three specimens which I refer to this species, the large one (No. 18708) is strikingly like the type of Baird and Girard. The num- ber of scale-rows, however, is only nineteen, as in Baird and Girard's second specimen. The eye is somewhat larger, and the posterior supralabials lower, but in both respects it agrees closely with No. 878, from Fort Reading, Calif., which has always been referred to T. elegans without hesitation. In the two younger specimens, from Mount Whit- ney (Nos. 18709 and 18710), the general color is slightly more olive, not quite so bluish, and the labials are margined with blackish, in this respect resembling No. 878, referred to above. 1 do not believe that too much stress should be laid upon the absence or presence of these marks in this and allied forms. But instead of having the space be- tween the dorsal aud lateral stripes uniform dark, as in the larger specimen, these younger ones are distinctly spotted on a rather dark ground, quite resembling the subspecies recently described by Cope as T. elegans lineolata. An examination of No. 878, however, establishes the fact that the dorsal spots are present aud that consequently the 212 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. absence or presence of spots is only due to the darker or lighter shade of the ground color. A great amount of collecting and observing will have to be done before we can know anything definite about the individual variation of these snakes. Each species and form will have to be investigated by itself, for it is plain that conclusions based upon analogies from allied forms are not to be relied upon, and it seems as if the only safe way would be to commence an examination on as large a scale as possible of the unborn young, cut out of the mother snake. A careful and detailed record of such examinations would settle many a mooted point, and is recommended to the attention of California naturalists. List of specimens of ThamnopMa elcgans. U.S. Nat, Mas. No. 18708 18709 18710 Sex and a«e. ad. Locality. Yosemite Valley, Calif 10 miles south of Mount Whitney, Calif. do Alti- tude. Fed. 4, 000 Date. Aug. 0 Auk- 31 .do Collector. Nelson... Dutcuer . .do Remarks. Thamnophis hammoiidii (Keiin.). Fortunately there attaches no doubt to specimeus belonging to this well defined species, and all here referred to it are typical in every way, scutellation as well as coloration. Its range overlaps to a great extent that of Th. vagrans without affecting the purity of the type, and as both are found in the identical localities, as well proved by the present collection, there seems no valid reason for regarding them as subspecies of the same species. The distinctive characters of this form are well pointed out and emphasized by Kennicott in the original description. Neither does there seem to be any good reason for substituting the name Th. couchii for that of Th. hammondli. The two forms have been considered distinct up to the present time, and there has been collected no additional material of recent years which could tend to show that they are identical. The twelve specimens of Th. hammondii contained in the present collection show a great constancy of some of the structural characters. All have twenty-one scale rows, eight supralabials, and one preocular. In nearly all of them there are distinct indications of a dorsal band which in No-. 18091, a young specimen, is quite well marked the whole length of the animal, while in most others it is chiefly developed on the portion nearest to the head. Mat, 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 213 List of specimens of Thamnopltis ltammondii. U.S. Nat. Sex and Mils. age. No. 18687 Sad. 18G88 ad. 18689 $ad. 18690 38691 .1UV. 18G92 jun. 18693 jun. 1S694 Jim. 18695 ad. 18696 18697 ad. 18698 jun. Locality. Owens Valley, Alvord, Calif Owens Valley. Fish Slough, 10 miles north of Bishop, Calif. Owens Lake. Cartago, Calif Old Fort Tejon, Calif Lone Pine, Calif Kern River, 25 miles above Kernville, Calif. do Kern River, South Fork, Calif Kern River, Calif - Kern River, South Fork, Calif Soda Springs, Kern River, Calif do Alti- tude. Feet. 4, GOO Date. June 27 July 2 3, 700 June 10 July 3 Aug. 21 July 9 July 5 ! July 7 7,200 | Sept. 8 2, 700 June 22 I Sept. 4 ! Aug. 14 Collector. Stephens ....do ... ...do ... Palmer . Fisher. - ...do ... ....do... ...do ... Nelson . Rainier . Fisher.. Bailey . . Remarks. South Fork. Thanmophis vagrans (B. & G.). The material brought home by the Death Valley Expedition seems clearly to demonstrate the impracticability of recognizing a subspecies lineolata. Among the specimens from southern California there are specimens which are typical and unquestionable Th. vagrans (for in- stance, No. 1870G), which combine all the characters of this species, both as to scutellation and coloration. Practically from the same locality we have another specimen (No. 18707), which might properly be referred to Th. lineolata. Those from Soda Springs on the North Fork of Kern Eiver, and Whitney Creek are more like the former than the latter, while the light colored specimen from Ash Meadows, Nevada (No. 18700), is a true vagrans, so far as its dorsal spots are concerned, but a lineolata if we pay attention to the dorsal stripe only. The other specimen from this latter locality (No. 18701) is abnormal in several respects, it being quite melanistic in coloration with a well- defined dorsal band. The dorsal scale rows are very irregular, so that it is difficult to make out the exact scale formula, but the prevailing number seems to be nineteen. The amount of black on the belly is very variable; in fact, not two specimens are alike in this respect. No. 18707, from Lone Tine, has no trace of it, while No. 1870G, from practically the same locality, Owens Lake, has the anterior half of each gastrostege black, and No. 18704, from Soda Springs, has the middle of the under side almost solid bluish black. '214 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. List of specimens of Thamnophis vagrans. [Ho. u. s. Nat. Mus. No. 18699 18700 18701 18702 18703 18704 18705 18706 18707 Sex and ,]UV. .juv. Locality. Silver Creek, Nev Ash Meadows, Nev do North Fork, Kern River, Calif... do Soda Springs, North Fork, Kern River, Calif. Whitney Creek, Calif Owens River, Calif Lone Pine, Calif — Alti- tude. 7, 000 8,500 6,000 Date. Nov. 8,1890 Mar. 3,1891 Mar. 4. 1891 Sept. 12,1891 Sept. 10, 1891 Aug. 15, 1891 Sept. 5,1891 July 20,1891 June 11,1891 Collector. Bailey Palmer ...do .. ...do . Nelson Bailey . . .do . . Nelson Palmer Remarks. Thamnophis parietalis (Say). A single specimen (No. 18715) from Horse Corral Meadows, Fresno County, Calif., collected by Dr. A. K. Fisher, August 10, 1891, having nineteen scale rows, seven supralabials, and one preocular, has been referred to the present form in spite of the fact that the superior spots along the dorsal stripe are not fused into a solid black band. I have, however, before me a specimen from San Francisco (No. 893), referred to Th. parietalis by Cope, which in this respect agrees with the present specimen, but the dorsal is broader. On the other hand our speci- men presents many points of resemblance to so-called Th. leptocephala, but 1 am unable to distinguish specimens of the latter with the above scale formula from specimens of the Th. sirtalis group. I have failed so far to distinguish any specific difference between Th. sirtalis and l&ptocephala, and am inclined to think that the latter is made up of similarly degenerate specimens belonging to different species or forms. Family CrotalidvE. Crotalus tigris Kenn. The 'tiger-rattler,' of which the expedition has brought home quite a series, is one of the rarest species in collections. Discovered during the survey of the boundary between the United States and Mexico, and described by Kennicott, the habitat of the species was given in general terms as " Deserts of Gila and Colorado," but I can find no evidence of specimens recorded from anywhere except from the Sierra del Pozo Verde,* in Arizona. A specimen was afterwards collected by Dr. Irwin at Fort Buchanan, Ariz., and recorded by Dr. Yarrow in his * The name is written both Siena del Pozo Verde and Sierra Verde in the Rept. IT. S. and Mex. Bound. Snrv. (cf. vol. I, pt. I, ]>. 121 and pt. II, p. 70). This range is situated on the boundary between Arizona and Sonora, nearly due south of liabo- qnivari Peak, and about 50 miles northwest of Nogales. A spriny known as 'Agua del Pozo Verde (Green Well)' is situated at the foot of the western slope near the southern end of the ran"e. May. 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 215 Catalogue of the Reptiles and Batrachians in the U.S. National Museum (No. 5271). Dr. J. G. Cooper lias since enumerated G. tigris from tbe California side of the 'Colorado Valley/* but whether he based his record upon specimens actually collected (in which case, probably near Fort Mohave), or only upon the general statement in the report of the Mexican Boundary Survey, I do not know. It does not appear to have been collected by any of the many parties of the Pacific Railroad Surveys, nor was it brought home by the herpe- tologists of the Wheeler Expedition west of the one hundredth meridian . The extension of its known range by the present expedition is there- fore very material, and is the more interesting since it was found almost over the entire desert area visited. So far from being restricted to the Colorado Valley proper, as surmised by Dr. Cooper, it seems to be chiefly confined to the desert mountain ranges, in which it ascends to a considerable altitude, as shown by the table below, while horizontally its range has been extended over quite a considerable area of southern Nevada. A study of the present series convinces me that the nearest affinity of the ' tiger rattler ' is with the true Crotalus confluent us of the plains, in spite of the rather striking and in many respects peculiar aspect of the former. [The known range of this exceedingly rare rattlesnake has been greatly extended by the expedition, specimens having been secured at frequent intervals from Owens Valley in California to the Great Bend of the Colorado on the boundary between Nevada and Arizona. It was usually found in rocky places in the desert ranges — rarely in the inter- vening valleys. When passing through Emigrant Canon in the Panamint Mountains, in California, April 15, two large rattlesnakes of this species were killed at one shot by Mr. Stephens, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). They were on a ledge of rock, and were standing erect with their heads near together, apparently playing. In Indian Spring Val- ley, north of the Charleston Mountains, in Nevada, one was found in a wood-rat's nest that was dug open to secure a large scaly lizard (Scelo- porus maf/ister) which had taken refuge there. Its stomach contained a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys) and a pocket mouse , (Perognathus), indi- cating nocturnal habits. Others were killed in the upper part of Vegas Valley (near Cottonwood Springs) and Vegas Wash, Nevada, and in Owens Valley (on Independence Creek), Coso Valley, the Argus Range, Slate Range, Panamint Range, and Grapevine Mountains, California. In the Argus Range nineteen were killed in or near Shepherd Canon, dur- ing the latter part of April and first week of May, by Dr. Fisher's party.— C. H. M.] *Proc. Calif. Acad. Nat. Sci., IV, p. 66 (1870). 216 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. List of specimens of Crotalus tigris. [No. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 1S061 18662 18003 18604 18665 1K600 18G67 1S008 18669 18070 18671 18672 1S673 18674 Sex and age. ad. ad. jun. jUv. ad. ad. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ? ad. Locality. Vegas Valley, Ncv Vegas Wash, Nov Indian Spring Valley, Nev Grapevine Mountains, Nev Slate Range, Calif Panamint Mountains, Willow Creek, Calif. Panamint Mountains, Johnson Canon, Calif. Panamint Mountains, Emigrant Canon, Calif. do Argus Range, Shepherd Canon, Calif. do Coso Valley, Maturango Springs, Calif. do Owens Valley, Independence Creek, Calif. Alti- tude. Feet. ?., 100 5,500 5,000 4,600 4,600 6,500 Date. May 1 May 2 May 29 June 6 Apr. 21 May 17 Mar. 30 Apr. 16 ...do... Apr. 29 Apr. 27 May 11 ...do... June 20 Collector. Merriain. Bailey ... Merriam Nelson... Stephens Nelson . . . Fisher . . . Stephens ...do.... Fisher . . . ...do.... Palmer . . ...do.... Stephens Remarks. 3,000 feet ahove Salt Wells. Crotalus cerastes Hallow. The horned rattlesnake has a record somewhat different from that of the foregoing' species (C. tigris), although inhabiting, in a general way, the same country. It was described much earlier, is less rare in collections, and the geographical range was better known. This differ- ence is probably due to the fact that it is more confined to the desert plains and valleys, while G. tigris seems to take its jjlace in the moun- tains. The material brought home by the Death Valley Expedition adds con- siderable detail to our knowledge of the geographical range of the present species, and is, therefore, very valuable and interesting, for the previous material although better than that of C. ligris, as intimated above, was scanty and indefinite enough. Thus, if we take the Catalogue of the specimens in the U. S. National Museum (Bull. IT. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, p. 73), we note at once that there is no specimen from the type locality, which is the Mohave Desert and borders of the Mohave Eiver. Dr. Merriam has now supplied this desideratum by the specimen col- lected April G, 1891 (No. 1865G). We next note that a specimen (No. 8923) was collected by Dr. Yarrow in ' Southern Utah.' The locality is indefinite enough and more than dubious, if for no other reason than the complete absence of any reference to such a specimen in Dr. Yar- row's report upon the reptiles in the fifth volume of Wheeler's Survey West of the One Hundredth Meridian. Another specimen (No. 911G) is said to have been collected by John Kohler in 'Cottonwood Canon, Nevada.' Turning to the record book we find 'Cottonwood Canon, Arizona,' and on p. 98 of the catalogue referred to we find that John Kohler collected a Salvadora graham ice in 'Cottonwood Canon, Utah.' May, 1893.] REPTILES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 217 The locality is certainly indefinite, to say tbe least, and a more favor- able expression can hardly be used about ' Colorado River, Colorado,' for specimen No. 482, wbicb was probably collected near Fort Yuma, California, and certainly not in the State of Colorado, as the catalogue referred to would seem to indicate. It is refreshing to turn from these unreliable and confusing state- ments to the list of exact localities furnished below for each individual specimen taken, and nothing will better illustrate the value of the work done by the Death Valley Expedition than the parallel just drawn. [The horned rattlesnake or 'sidewinder,' as it is locally known throughout the region it inhabits, is the characteristic snake of the Lower Sonoran deserts of the Great Basin, from southern California easterly across southern Nevada to Arizona and southwestern Utah. It inhabits the open deserts, while its congener of the same region (0. tigris) lives in the desert ranges. Its local name is derived from its peculiar mode of progression : when disturbed it moves away sideways, keeping its broadside toward the observer instead of proceeding in the usual serpentine manner. Its bite is said to be fatal, which is probably not the case under ordinary circumstances. A large number were secured by the expedition and many others were killed, but no one was bitten by it. It was found on both sides of Pilot Knob in the Mohave Desert (April 5 and 6) in Pahrnmp Valley, where four were caught in a space of a mile and half (April 28 and 29); in Vegas Valley (May 1); in Vegas Wash (May 3); in Indian Spring Valley (May 29), where one was shot containing a kangaroo rat (Dlpodomys) and two pocket mice (Perognatkus) ; in the Anmrgosa Desert (May 31), and in Sareobatus Flat (June 2). It was common in the valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy (May C and 7), and was said to inhabit Pah- ranagat Valley, though we did not find it there. During the latter part of April and the early part of May these rat- tlesnakes were often found in pairs and were doubtless mating. At such times they remained out in plain sight over night instead of re- treating to holes or shelter under desert brush, and on two occasions they were found by us on cold mornings so early that they were too chilled to move until considerably disturbed. I stepped on one of these by accident as it lay in a compact coil with its head in the center, but it was held so firmly by my weight that it was unable to strike. A moment before, I bad killed its mate. I killed three on the mesa east of St. Joe, in the valley of the Muddy, in eastern Nevada, May 7. — C. H. M.] 218 north American fauna. List of specimens of Crotalus cerastes, [No. 7. U.S. Nat. Sex and Mus. age. No. 18646 ad. 18647 ad. 18648 ad. 18649 ad. 18650 ad. 18651 ad. 18652 inn. 18653 inn. 18654 JUU. 18655 Jim. 18656 jun. 18657 jim. 18658 ad. 18659 ad. 18660 ad. Locality. Pahrump Valley, Nov do do do Indian Spring Valley, Nev do '. A sh Meadows ( 14 mile.s north of) , Xev Sarcobat us Flat, Nev Amargosa Desert, Nev Death Valley (Bennett Wells), Calif Mohave Desert, Calif Borax Flat (water station), Calif Pauamint Valley, Calif do Lone Pine, Calif Alti- tude, Feet. 4,500 2,201 Date. Apr. do ....do Apr. May do Mar. June May Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. June Collector, Merriam . . . ...do ...do ...do Bailey Merriam... Stephens . . Bailey Mri'ri.un . . . Bailey Merriam. . . Stephens . Nelson Bailey Palmer Remarks. Type locality. Crotalus lucifer B. & G. The questions whether there is more than one separable form of this species within the Pacific region and, in case of an affirmative answer, what names are to be employed for the various forms, are yet open, awaiting tlie accumulation of much additional material. It may even be found that the name adopted above for the species is not the oldest tenable; but, not being able to settle that -point at present, I retain G. lucifer as undoubted in its application. On the other hand, that it is a good and distinct species, well separated from G.confluentus, and not a subspecies of the latter, I feel perfectly confident. The present species is characteristic of the interior valley and slopes of California as contrasted with the Great Basin, and the boundary between the two forms seems to be quite sharply drawn, at least in the regions visited by the expedition. There is probably no stronger con- trast among the reptiles of the same genus met with by the Death Valley explorers than that between the pale and clay colored rattle- snakes in the desert plains and mountains and the dark colored G. lucifer which they obtained only in the San Joaquin Valley and iu the moun- tain slopes encircling it. • [This species does not inhabit the Great Basin, but was found in a number of localities on the west or coastal slope of the Sierra, and in the San Joaquin Valley. Specimens were obtained at Old Fort Tejon, iu the Canada de las Uvas, and thence northward on the west slope of the mountains to Tehachapi Pass, Kern Valley, Kaweah Piver, Kings Piver Canon, the San Joaquin River, find the Merced River (on the latter as high as li,G20 meters or 8,G00 feet).— C. H. M.J May, 1893.] BATRACHIANS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 219 List of specimens of Crotatus lucifer. U.S. Nat, Mus No. 18675 18676 18677 18078 18679 18680 18681 18682 18683 Sex anil age. Locality. ad. ailol. ad. ,juu. d ad. ad. ad. ad. Old Fort Tejon, Calif Bakersfield, Calif Kernville, Calif Soda Springs, North Fork Kern River, Calif East Fork Kaweah River, Calif King's River Canon, Calif North Fork San Joaquin River, Calif Merced River, Calif do Alti- tude. 2, 4(10 Date. July 7 July 17 July 10 Aug. 12 4. 500 July 28 Ang. 14 6,600 July 29 8. 000 Aug. 4 8,600 I ...do ... Toll. .(.tor. Palmer Bailev . ...do'.. ...do.. ...do.. Palmer Nelson ...do .. ...do.. Remarks. Skin. B.— BATRACHIA. Order ANURA. Family Bufonid^e. Bufo punctatus B. & G. This species of rather wide distribution belongs to the Lower Sonoran fauna, and is not known from the interior valley of California. It probably finds its northern limit not far from where the numerous specimens of the expedition were collected. List of specimens of Bufo punctatus. u. s. Nat. Sex and Mus. | age. No 18748 18749 18750 18751 18752 18753 18754 18755 18756 18757 18758 18759 18760 18761 18762 1J763 18764 18765 18766 18767 1876S 18769 18770 18771 18772 18773 18774 18775 18776 16777 18778 18779 18780 18781 18"82 18783 18784 18785 ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ail. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ail. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. larva; ad. adol. Locality. Death Valley, Calif. do....:. .do .do .do .do .do .do Death Valley, Furnace Creek, Calif. do....- .do . -do -do . .do . .do. .do .do -do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do Alti- tude. Feet. Panamint Mountains, Cottonwood Canon, Calif. do Date. Mar. 22 ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... Mar. 21 ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ....do ... ....do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ...do .., ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... ....do .. ....do . ....do .. ...do .. ...do -- Apr. 10 Feb. 4 May 29 ...do.. Collector. Nelson . . . ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do.... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do ... ...do .... ...do .... ...do.... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do. ... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... . ...do .... ...do .... Stephens. Fisher... Neison. .. .do Remarks. 220 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Bufo halophilus 15. &. G. (Plate hi, tigs. 3 a-b). Of ratlier general distribution, as specimens were collected by the expedition inside the great interior valley of California, on the Pacfic coast near Monterey, and in various localities in Owens Valley, east of the Sierra Nevada. Its vertical range is hardly less extended, hav- ing been found from the level of the sea to more than 10,000 feet above. List of specimens of Bufo halophilus. U.S. Nat. Sex and Mus. Age. No. 18719 adol. 18720 jnv. 18721 JUV. 18722 juv. 18723 ad. 18724 jnn. 18725 ad. 18726 ad. 18727 adol. 18728 ]un. 18729 adol. 18730 adol. 18731 adol. 18732 adol. 18733 JUU. 18734 jun. 18735 tadpoles 18736 do 18737 do Locality. Owens Valley, Alvord. Calif. Owens Valley, Bishop Creek, Calif. do do Owens Valley, Independence Creek, Calif do Owens Valley, Lone Pine, Calif do . do do Round Valley, Tulare County, Calif. W liitney Meadows, Calif. Kings River, Calif Elizabeth Lake, Calif Monterey, Calif .do East Fork, Kaweali River, Calif. do do Alti- tude. Feet. 4, 000 4,000 4, 000 4,000 6,000 6,000 10, 000 5, 200 About sea level. ..do ... 10, 200 10, 200 10, 200 Date. Juno 26 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 19 June 19 June 18 June 7 June 6 June 6 Aug. 22 Aug. 20 Aug. 10 July. 2 Sept. 30 Oct. 1 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 7 Collector. Remarks. Stephens ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... Ki-Uon. Palmer. ...do ... ...do ... ...do ... Bailey. Nelson. Palmer. Bailey. ...do ... ...do ... ...do .... ...do .... PI. Ill, fif a-b. Bufo boreas nelsoni, Bubap. nov. (PI. in, figs. 4 a-b). Diagnosis. — Similar to B. boreas: Skin between warts smooth; snout protracted, pointed in profile; webs of hind legs very large ; soles rather smooth; limbs shorter, elbows and knees not meeting when ad pressed to the sides of the body; inner metacarpal tubercle usually very large. Habitat. — Southeastern California and western Nevada. Type.— U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 18742; Oasis Valley, Nevada, March 10, 1891; F. Stephens, coll. This seems to be the southern form of Bufo boreas, distinguished from the latter as above. Extreme examples of both forms are very dif- ferent and Avould readily pass for distinct species, but specimens occur in which one or the other of the characters are less developed, making it expedient to use a trinominal appellation. On the other hand, both B. boreas and the new form here described are quite well separated from B. halophilus and its northern race, />. halophilus colambicusis, the difference in profile of the snout being quite sufficient (comp. pi. itt, figs. 3a and 4«), not to mention the other char- acters indicated in the diagnosis above. Their geographical distribu- tion, as examplified by the material brought home by the Death Valley Expedition, furnishes sufficient proof of the specific value of their differ- May, 1893.] BATRACHIANS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 221 ences, for while we find B. halophilus alone in the valley of California, both species were collected in the same localities east of the Sierra Nevada. The name of this form is selected in honor of Mr. E. W. Nelson for his valuable .zoo geographical work botli in the extreme south and in the extreme north of our country. List of specimens of Bufo horeas nehoni. U.S. Nat- Sex anil Mas. age. No. 18738 ad. 18739 ad. 18740 ad. 18741 ad. 18742 ad. 18743 ad. 18744 adol. 18745 JUU. 18746 ad. 18747 ad. Locality. Oasis Valley, Nev. do ....' .do .do -do .do Iiesting Springs, Calif do Owens Valley, Morans, Calif. . . Owens Valley, Lone Pine, Calif. Alti- tude. Feet. 5, 000 Date. Mar. 16 ....do ... ....do ... ...do .. ....do ... ...do ... Feb. 7 ...do ... July 4 June 18 Collector. Stephens.. . ...do ...do ...do ...do Nelson Fisher ...do Stephens.. . Nelson Remarks. Type. Bufo lentiginosus woodhousii (Gir.). The three specimens mentioned below are rather young, and are re- ferred to under the above name more because they occur in the region commonly assigned to this form than because they conform to the char- acters ascribed to it. As a matter of fact, 1 have yet to discover a char- acter, or a combination of characters of sufficient stability to enable me to distinguish B. woodhousii from B. american us. Proportions, parallel- ism or divergence of cranial ridges, and single or double subarticular tubercles on the toes, seem all entirely valueless as characters. [Specimens of this toad were collected in Pahranagat and Vegas valleys, Nevada; and toads, probably the same species, were common in the Lower Muddy and Virgin valleys, Nevada, and at the mouth of Beverdam Creek, Arizona. — C. H. M.] List of specimens of Bufo lentiginosus woodhousii. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 1S716 1X717 18718 Sex and age. JUU. jnn. jun. Locality. Pahranagat Valley, Ncv Vegas Valley, Nev Alti- tude. Feet. Date. May 25 Mar. 13 Mar. 14 Collector. Bailey Nelson Bailey Remarks. 222 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Family ScAriiioroDiDyE. Scaphioptis hamniondii Baird. The four specimens representing various sizes and ages from the same locality will ultimately be of great help in better understanding the status of this species. The few specimens now in the collections from a number of localities scattered over a very wide area, and often in a bad state of preservation, form a very unsatisfactory material upon which to base a rational discussion of the question. List of specimens of Scaphiopus hamniondii U.S. Nat. Sex and Mils. age. No. 187«6 ad. 18787 Rdol. 18788 adol. 18789 jmi. Locality. Owens Lake, Olancha. Calif. do .do Alti tudc. Feet. 3,700 Date. Collector. Remarks. May 21 May 18 May 15 May 18 Stephens ...do ... ...do .... ...do ..., Family Hylid^e. Hyla regilla B. & G. We have been* so accustomed to regard this species as chiefly 'Pa- cific' in its distribution that it was rather a surprise to receive such an enormous number of specimens from so many localities in the desert regions visited by the expedition. Our knowledge as to the geographi- cal distribution of this species has consequently been considerably ex- tended, and there can be no doubt that the material gathered will be of extreme importance whenever it shall be possible to work up in detail the unequaled series in the National Museum. As my assistant, Mr. Frederick C. Test, has been engaged for some time upon this work, I shall refrain from further remarks in order not to forestall any of his conclusions. [On the west or coastal slope of the Great Divide in California, tree toads of this species were found in Kern Valley, Walker Basin, and at Old Fort Tejon in the Canada de las Uvas. On the east or Great Basin side of the divide they were tolerably common about the spring in Sur- prise Canon in the Panaraint Mountains, at Hot Springs in Panamint Valley, at Saratoga Spring at the south end of Death Valley, and at Besting Springs. In Nevada they were found in Ash Meadows, Oasis, Pahruinp, and Vegas valleys. — C. H. M.] .May, 1893] BATRACHIANS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 223 List of specimen* of Hyla regilla. U.S. Nat. Mils. No. Sex and age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. 18790 18791 ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad . ad. ad. ad. ad. juv. ad. adol. juv. juv. juv. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad, juv. juv. juv. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. a.l. ad. adol, adol. adol. ad. cf ad. JUT, Panamiut Mountains, Johnson Cation, Calif. do Feet. *6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 0, 0!i0 6, ooo (i. (100 6,000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6,000 6, 000 6, 000 6,000 6,000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 6, 000 0, 000 6, 000 6,000 6. 000 6,000 6, 000 6, COO 6, 000 6, 000 6,000 Mar. 31 do ... Fisher ...do 18792 . do do ...do .. 18793 (Id do ...do ... 187:>4 do do do isr:."> do ....do ... do . ....do do 18790 do 18797 . do do ....do 18798 do do .. ...do 18799 do do . .. ..do 18800 ...do do .. ....do 18S01 ...do ....do ....do ....do ....do do ... ....do ...do ...do ... do ....do 18802 . do 18803 do 18804 ....do 18805 ...do 18806 do ...do .. ....do 18807 ...do do ... do 18808 ...do do . . do 188 19 do do . ....do 18810 do ... do .. ... do 18811 ...do . . .do . do 18812 do ...do . do 18813 do ... ...do ... do 18814 ...do ...do .. do 18815 . .do do .. ....do 18816 ..do* do . do 18817 .do . . . .do do . ....do do 18818 ...do 18819 ...do do. .. do 18820 ...do do ... ...do 18821 ...do ...do ... ....do 18822 ...do ...do ... ....do 1 88">3 ...do do . ....do 18824 18825 Panamiut Mountains, Surprise Canon Calif. ...do Apr. 23 do . ....do do 18826 do do .. do 18827 do do ... ....do 188^8 ...do 2,600 2, 600 Apr. 21 do Bailey do 1 8829 ...do 18830 Whitney Creek, Calif Aug. 18 Sept. 1 Aug. 20 Aug. 29 ..do . ....do Fisher Bailey ....do do 18831 18832 do 18833 do 18834 ...do 18835 do do . .. ....do 18836 do do . . . ....do 18837 Aug. 23 Apr. 22 ....do Nelson ....do Fisher do 18838 rocks. 18839 do 18840 Panamint Valley, Hot Springs, Calif. do . ...do ... 18841 do .. 18842 do do do 18843 do do .. do 18844 do do do 18845 do do . do 18846 Feb. 8 Feb. 7 do Palmer Fisher do 18847 18848 do 18849 do Feb. 17 do ... ....do do 18850 do 18851 do . do . ...do ... 18852 do do do 18853 Jan. 30 do ... Bailey do In pond at spring. 18854 do 18855 do ...do .. do 18856 Jan. 9 July 4 ....do ... ....do Fisher ....do 18857 18858 South Fork Kern River, 25 miles above Kernville, Calif. *Ahout. 224 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Ko. ; List of specimens of Bijla regilla — Continued. U.S. Nat, Mus. No. Sex and age. 18850 18860 188G1 18862 issg:j 18804 18805 18800 18807 18808 18809 18870 18871 18872 18873 18874 18875 18870 18877 18878 18879 18880 18881 18883 18883 18884 18885 18887 18890 18891 18892 18893 18894 18895 18890 18897 18898 18899 18900 18901 18902 18903 18904 18905 18900 18907 18908 18909 18910 18911 18912 18913 18914 18915 18916 18917 18918 18919 18920 18921 18922 18923 18924 18925 18926 ad. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. juv. JUV. juv. ad. juv. iuv. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. juv. juv. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. juv. juv. juv. adol. adol. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. juv. juv. ad. ad. ad. Locality. Walker Basin, Calif Antelope Valley, near La Liebre Rancho, Calif. Old Fort Tejon, Calif do do do South Fork Merced River, Calif. . . Horse Corral Meadows, Calif Kings River, Calif Cottonwood Meadows, Calif do do Monterey, Calif .do .do .do Alti- tude. Feet. 8,900 8, 000 7,500 Charleston Mountains, in Mountain Spring, Nev. do do do do Pahrunip Valley, Nev Pahrump Valley, Yount'a Ranch, Nev. do do do Mountain Spring, Charleston Moun- tains, Nev. do Corn Creek, Vegas Valley, Nev do Vegas Valley, Nev 1 .do .do .do .do .do .do do .do .do .do Vegas Valley, Cottonwood Spring Nev. do Oasis Valley, Nev do do do do do do do do do do Ash Meadows, Nev do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do .do 5, GOO 5,000 5,600 5, 000 5,600 1,800 Date. July June July July ...do July July An!;. Aug. Auji. ...Jo ....do Oct. Sept. 29 Sept. 30 .do Apr. 30 ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. Feb. 21 Apr. 28 ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. Mar. 6 ...do.. Mar. 15 ...do .. Mar. 13 Mar. 14 Mar. 13 ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. ....do.. ...do.. ....do.. ...do.. Apr. 30 ...do.. Mar. 16 ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. Mar. 20 ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ...do.. Mar. 13 ...do.. ....do.. Mar. 18 Mar. 4 Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 17 Feb. 28 Collector. Fisher.. Palmer ...do .. ...do .. ...do.. ...do ... Nelson . . Palmer - Nelson . . Dutch er ...do ... ...do ... Bailey .. .do .do .do ...do .. ...do .. ...do .- ...do .- Nelson . Bailey . ...do ...do . . .do ...do ...do ...do . . .do ...do .. .. .do . . Nelson. ...do . ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. Bailey . ...do.... Stephens ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... ...do .... Fisher . . . ...do.... ...do .... ...do .... do ...do .... ...do.... ...do .... Palmer . . ...do ---. Bailey ... Stephens Nelson . . . ...do .... Remarks. In vine on an ar- bor. In spring May, 1893.] BATRACHIANS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 225 Family Banid^:. Rana draytonii B. &, G. Of this well-marked species, Mr. Bailey collected two adults and two young ones at Monterey, the latter in a spring near the beach. The specimens are in fine condition, and display the distinctive characters very well. The vicissitudes of this species demonstrate beautifully the disastrous results of prejudiced desires of c lumping' species. List of specimens of liana draytonii. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. Sex and age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Eemarks. 18953 ad. ad. JUT. juv. Feet. Near sea level. ..do ... Oct. 3 do . Bailey do In spring, near beach. Do 18954 do 18955 do ..do .. Sept. 30 do . ....do do 18956 do ..do .. Rana aurora B. & G. The specimens referred to this species agree in such essential points with the types of B. aurora, that I have been obliged to so name them, the ouly other alternative being to describe them as new. It is my conviction that the result of a careful study of a large number of speci- mens from the Pacific province will result in the establishment of several more species or subspecies than at present recognized, but I also feel that the final settlement must be deferred until a more propi- tious time for a monographic essay on the various forms, which cluster around R. aurora, pretiosa, and draytonii. Under these circumstances I deem it inadvisable to establish any new names, the more so since I hope it will not be long before I shall be able to devote the necessary time to this question. It is hardly necessary to add that it is out of the question to base any generalizations upon the supposed geographical distribution of these forms as they are defined for the present. The character which associates the present specimens so strongly with R. aurora is the smoothness of the skin, although very minutely pitted, and the very strong pitting of the line which takes the place of the dorsolateral fold in the other species. The differences consist chiefly in shorter snout, fuller webbing of the toes, broader tongue, and darker color. List of specimens of Rana aurora. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. Sex and age. , Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Eemarks. 18947 1S948 ad. art. ad. Sequoia National Park, Calif do Feet. 7,000 7,000 7,000 Aug. 2 Aug. 6 ....do... ....do Fisher 18949 do ows. Do. 12731— No. 7- -15 226 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Rana pretiosa B. & G. The remarks under B. aurora refer as well to the present species. The southern specimens which have come under my notice have the white (or yellow) supralabial stripe ill- defined and more or less inter- rupted, especially behind the angle of the mouth; while in the northern specimens this stripe usually is well-defined and uninterrupted. List of specimens of liana pretiosa. U.S. Nat. Sex and Mus. age. No. 18928 ad. 18929 ad. 18930 ad. 18931 ad. 18932 ad. 18933 adol. 18934 adol. 18935 adol. 18936 adol. 18937 adol. 18938 JUV. 18939 ad. 18940 ad. 18941 ad. 18942 adol. 18943 juv. 18944 adol. 18945 adol. 18946 ad. Locality. Sierra Nevada, Calif Mulkey Meadows, Sierra Nevada, Calif. do Chiquito, San Joaquin River, Calif. . .do Head of Big Cottonwood Creek, Calif .do .do .do .do .do Whitney Creek, Calif East Fork Kaweak River, Calif do do do Mineral King, Calif Lone Pine, Calif South Fork Merced River, Calif . . . Alti- tude. Feet. 8, 400 9,000 9, 000 9,800 9,800 11,000 11. 000 11, 000 11,000 11, 000 11, 000 Date. 10, 200 10,200 10,200 10, 200 7,500 8,800 July 24 ....do ... . . . -do July ....do Sept. Sept, ....do . . . .do ....do . . . .do Aug. Aug. do ....do ....do July Aug. July* 13 Collector. Stephens ... ...do ...do .. Nelson. ...do .... Dutcher ...do.. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. ...do .. Bailey . ...do .. ...do.. ...do .. ...do .. ...do.. Fisher. Nelson . Remarks. Head of river east of Mfc. Raymond. Do. Near Mount Whitney. In little lake. Do. Do. Do. Rana boylii Baird. In a recent paper* (December, 1891) Boulenger expresses the opinion that B. boylii is only a synonym of B. draytonii. It is evident that he has arrived at this conclusion without having had opportunity to compare authentic specimens of both species, for otherwise it would be impossible to make such a mistake. The two species differ in all essen- tial points, and among the many puzzling Western forms of this genus none are more easily separated. Dentition, tympanum, and dorso- lateral glands are so different that once seen the two species can not well be confounded. B. boylii has the tympanum almost concealed and cov- ered with tubercles, the vomerine teeth in an oblique longitudinal series on each side, and the dorsolateral fold flattened out so as to be nearly, or entirely, imperceptible, while B. draytonii has a smooth, distinct tympanum, vomerine teeth in clusters, and very prominent dorsolateral folds. The specimens which I have referred to B. boylii differ from the type of the latter in a few minor points, chief df which is the narrowness of the tongue; but as the specimens are rather small, much stress ought not to be attached to this point. Moreover, I would again refer to my *Aiin. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vin, p. 453. Mat, 1893.] BATRACHIANS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 227 remarks under B. aurora as to the in advisability of meddling with the status of the Californian frogs in the present connection. List of specimens of Bana boylii. U.S. Nat. Sex and Mils. age. No. 18950 ad. 18951 ad. 18952 ad. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Remarks. South Fork Kern River, Calif. Kernville, Calif. do Feet. July 4 June 23 ....do ... Fisher . Palmer ...do .. 25 miles above Kernville. Rana fisheri, sp. nov. (Plato in, figs. 5a-c.) Diagnosis. — Heel of extended hind limb reaching anterior eye canthus, falling considerably short of tip of snout; vomerine teeth between and projecting posteriorly beyond choanae; no black ear patch; vertical diameter of tympanic disc greater than distance between nostrils and eye; hind feet webbed for about two-thirds; one small metatarsal tubercle; one weak dorsolateral dermal fold, no dorsal folds between; posterior lower aspect of femur granular; back and sides with numer- ous small, distinct, dark spots, surrounded by lighter; no external vocal sacs. Habitat. — Vegas Valley, Nevada. Type.—U. S. Nat. Mus.,No. 18957; Vegas Valley, Nevada, March 13, 1891 ; V. Bailey coll. Not closely allied to any of the known species. The coloration is very distinct, resembling somewhat that of B. aesopus; the great size of the tympanic disc is also quite characteristic, being larger than in any of our species, except B. catesbiana, clamitans, and septentrionalis. I should have considered it rather risky to describe a new species of Bana from the West had it not been for the fact that the great number of the specimens collected established beyond a doubt the constancy of the characters mentioned. This species is dedicated to Dr. A. K. Fisher in recognition of his share in the herpetological success of the Death Valley Expedition. [Frogs were tolerably common in Beaverdam Creek near its junction with the Virgin in northwestern Arizona, May 8, but whether Bana fisheri or B. pipiens brachycephala is not certain. The former was col- lected in Vegas Valley (type locality); the latter in Pahranagat Valley.— G. H. M.] 228 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. List of specimens of Banaftsheri. [No. 7. U.S. Nat. Miis. No. Sex and age. Locality. Alti- tude. Date. Collector. Ketnarks. 18957 ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. ad. Feet. Mar. 13 Mar. 9 Mar. 13 Mar. 9 ...do Bailey do ....do Nelson do Type. 18958 18959 do 18960 18961 do 18962 do ...do ....do 18963 do ...do do 18964 .. do ...do do 18965 ... do ...do ....do 18966 ...do -.. ...do .... ....do . Ran a pipiens brachycephala (Cope). The western form of the green frog evidently reaches its western limit in Nevada, and from the fact that the expedition only brought home one specimen it may probably be concluded that it is rare in that region. This specimen was collected in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 25, 1891, by Vernon Bailey (No. 18927). As to the name Rana pipiens Schreber, adopted in preference to R. virescens 'Kalm,' 1 may remark that as the latter was never used by Kalm in a binominal sense, it being only the first word of his diagnosis of the species, the former is beyond doubt the oldest tenable name for the species. From some of the recent synonymies it might be inferred that Rana virginiana of Laurenti (1768) would be the name, but I need only quote his diagnosis, viz, "corpore cinereo, dorso quinqueangulato quinquestriato; maculis rubris; abdomine, pedibusque flavescentibus," to show that it can never be identified as our shad-frog. This question has already been settled by Prof. S. Garman in 1888 (Bull. Ess. Inst., xx, pp. 90, 100), and I am only induced to repeat and cor- roborate it here, as one might be led to believe, from Cope's treatment of the matter (Man. N. Am. Batr., 1889, p. 399), that Garman is respon- sible for the adoj>tion of Rana virescens. REPORT ON THE FISHES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION COL- LECTED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA IN 1891, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. By Charles H. Gilbert, Ph. D. LIST OF SPECIES. Ameiurua nebulosus Le Sueur. Salmo irideus Gibbons. Catotttomus arceopus Jordan. Salmo mykiss agua-bonita Jordan. Rhinichthys (Apocope) velifer, sp. nov. Cyprinodon macularius Girard. Rhinichthys (Apocope) nevadensis, sp. nov. Cyprinodon macularius bailey i,8\ib8Y>. nov. Rutilus symmetricus (B. & G.). Empetrichthys merriami, gen. et sp. nov. Lepidomeda vittata Copo. Gasterosteus williamsoni Girard. Cyprinus carpio Linn. Ameiurus nebulosus Le Sueur. Two specimens of this introduced species were procured at Lone Pine, on Owens Brver, where the species was reported as abundant. Catostomus araeopus Jordan. Type locality. — South Fork of Kern River, California. One specimen from Reese Biver, Nevada. Collected by Vernon Bailey. Rhinichthys (Apocope) velifer, sp. nov. (Plate vi, Fig. 2.) Type locality. — Pahranagat Valley, Nevada. This species is closely related to Rhinichthys yarrowi, from which it differs in the much larger scales, the lateral line traversing 55 instead of 74 to 83 scales. Both species mark such perfect transition between Apocope and Rhinichthys that it seems best to reduce the former to the rank of a subgenus. About half the specimens of yarrowi have a nar- row frenum, and this is present in each of the three type specimens of velifer. In both yarrowi and velifer the teeth are 2-4-4-2, as in typical Rhinichthys. The only character left to distinguish Apocope is the nar- rowness of the frenum when present, it being very wide in typical Rhin- ichthys. Head 4 in length ; depth, 4f . Snout narrow, but bluntly rounded, not projecting beyond the front of premaxillaries. Frenum joining pre- maxillaries to skin of forehead very narrow, varying in width in the three type specimens. It will probably be found that some specimens of this species, as of yarrowi, have protractile premaxillaries. Mouth 229 230 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. small, horizontal, the maxillary reaching vertical from front of orbit, equaling diameter of eye, 3£ in length of head. Interorbital width, 3 in head. Teeth 2, 4-4, 2, hooked, with sharp edges. Pectorals nearly reaching base of ventrals, the latter long, overlap- ping front of anal fin. Origin of dorsal tin midway between base of caudal and middle of eye. D., 8; A., 7 Lat. 1. 56 (pores). 10 scales in a series obliquely forward to lateral line from base of first dorsal ray. Color in spirits, brown along back, a black band from snout across cheeks and along middle of sides, with a narrow silvery streak above it. Lower half of sides and belly silvery; an ill-defined dark streak from base of pectorals back along sides to the end of the anal fin. A small black spot on base of caudal. Three specimens were taken in a hot spring in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, May 25, 1891, by C. Hart Merriam and Vernon Bailey. Tem- perature of spring 36.11° 0. (97° F.). Rhinichthys ( Apocope) nevadensis, sp. nov. (Plate vi, Fig. 1.) Type locality. — Ash Meadows, Amargosa Desert, on boundary between California and Nevada. Differing from other known species in the large head, the short deep body, very small eye, and in the reduction of the outer ventral ray to a mere rudiment. Head, 3| in length (varying from 3£ to 4) ; depth, 3^ (varying from 3| to 4). D., 8; A., 7. Lat. 1. 65. Ventrals apparently with seven rays, the outer one rudimentary, and often to be detected with difficulty. Body robust, with broad heavy head, the least depth of caudal peduncle less than half the greatest height of body. Greatest depth of head at occiput 5 in length of body (6£ in nubila of equal size). Eye very small, half interorbital width, which equals distance from tip of snout to middle of eye, and is contained 2f times in head. Mouth terminal, very oblique, the lower jaw included, the premaxil- laries not at all overlapped by the snout. The maxillary reaches the vertical from front of eye, and is one-third length of head. Maxillary barbie well developed. Scales very irregularly placed , and diffi cult to enumerate. The lateral line is incomplete in adults, and usually does not reach to opposite dorsal fin. In the young it is variously developed, often extending, though with many interruptions, to end of dorsal or base of caudal. Pores in lateral line (when complete) 58, about 66 oblique series, counted above lateral line. Fins small, the pectorals not reaching ventrals, the latter not to vent. Front of dorsal midway between base of caudal and middle of occiput. In spirits, the upper half of sides is speckled and marbled with brown ; the belly and lower half of sides immaculate or sparsely spotted. A broad dark lateral stripe usually present, becoming more conspicuous Mat, 1893.] FISHES OF THE DEATH .VALLEY EXPEDITION. 231 posteriorly, and ending" in an obscure black spot on base of tail. A dark stripe sometimes present along middle of lower half of sides. Numerous specimens were procured in the warm springs at Ash Meadows, Indian Creek, and Vegas Creek, Nevada. Rutilus syrnmetricus (Baird and Girard). Type locality. — Old Fort Miller, Fresno Co., San Joaquin Valley, California. Specimens from Owens Lake, California, seem to agree with those reported on by Jordan and Henshaw (Leueos formosus, Rep. Chief En- gineer, Wheeler Surv. W. 100th Mer., App. NN, 1878, 193) from Washoe Lake, Nevada, and Kern Lake, California. There are 11 scales between lateral line and front of dorsal, and 52 scales in lateral line. Teeth 4-5. There are seven or eight rays in the anal fin, and the head is 3| in the length. The lateral line is imperfect in the young. The American species of this genus are poorly defined, and may be reducible to oue or two species. If the specific forms prove to be numerous there is no assurance that these specimens are identical with the types of Pogonichthys syrnmetricus and Algunsea formosus from the San Joaquin and Mohave rivers. Lepidoineda vittata Cope. Type locality. — Little Colorado River, Arizona. Three small specimens from Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, agree well with the original description of this species, and are probably referable to it. It has been recorded hitherto only from the original locality, the Colorado Chiquito River, Arizona, and its occurrence in the present locality is full of interest. Not only Lepidomeda but the whole sub- family (the Plagopterince) to which it belongs, is peculiar to the basin of the Colorado River, to which the Pahranagat waters must belong. Cyprinus carpio Linn. A specimen of this introduced species was found dead on the shores of Owens Lake. Carp and catfish are both common in the lower Owens River, and when they enter the lake are soon killed by the alkalinity of the water. Mr. Palmer and Dr. Fisher reported carp as the staple food fish at Three Rivers on the Kaweah River, where numerous large individuals were taken. Salnio irideus Gibbons. Type locality.— San Leandro Creek, Alameda Co., California. A single specimen of the ' Rainbow Trout' was preserved by Dr. A. K. Fisher from the Cafion of Kings River. Compared with specimens from the Santa Cruz Mountains in the vicinity of Palo Alto, this is found to agree in all respects. The coloration is very bright as is usual in the colder mountain streams. The scales above the lateral line are arranged in 135 oblique series. 232 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No.7. Salmo my kiss agua-bonita Jordan. Ti/pe locality. — Whitney Creek south of Mt. Whitney, High Sierra, California. (Jordan, Report State Fish Commissioners of California, 1892, p. G2.) Several specimens of this, the 'Golden Trout' of Kern River, were collected in Whitney Creek, whence came the original types, and from Cottonwood Creek, a tributary of Owens Lake, to which they have been transplanted. Two specimens were also preserved, taken from the South Fork of Kern River. They agree perfectly with the original description cited. The scale formula should read 180 to 200, not 130 to 200, as in the original description. Cyprinodon niacularius Girard. Type locality. — Rio San Pedro, Arizona. (Cyprinodon ncvadensis Eigenmann, Proc. Cal'a Acad. Nat. Sci., 1889, 270.) This small Cyprinodont inhabits the springs and wells throughout the desert region of southern California, Arizona and Nevada, and is the characteristic denizen of the more or less alkaline waters of this district. The original types are from the Rio San Pedro, a tributary of the Rio Gila, and I have found it abundant at a pond at Lerdo, Mexico, on the lower Colorado River. Specimens obtained at Lerdo have been compared with those from Death Valley and found identical. The species varies in form and color, and apparently in the size which it reaches in different localities. The males have the back and sides uniform dusky, the lower parts lighter, all the fins in the most brightly colored individuals being broadly margined with black. The females have the lower half of sides as well as belly lighter, often sil- very white, the sides crossed by black bars, which are wide along middle of body, but become much narrower than the interspaces on the lower half of sides. The bars vary in number and size and often alternate with narrower, fainter, and shorter ones. The fins are light, and the dorsal either with or without a black blotch on its posterior rays. Although usually uniform in coloration, the males occasionally show lateral bars, which, however, contrast little with the general dusky color of the sides. The dorsal varies from 9 to 11, and the anal from 10 to 11. There are 24 or 25 transverse series of scales, and the humeral scale is but little enlarged. The head is contained 3 to 3^ times in the length. Adults are very short and deep, the depth being nearly or quite half the length; in half-grown specimens 1 inch long, the depth is contained 2| in the length. The eye is very small, about equaling the snout, contained li to 1| times in the interorbital width, and 3§ times in the head. The front of dorsal is usually midway between occiput and base of caudal. The normal number of ventral rays in this species seems to be six. No specimen examined has shown more than this number, and in sev- eral but five are present. In one specimen from Ash Meadows, Nevada, the ventral of one side only is present, and contains but three or four Mat, 1893.1 FISHES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 233 lays. Four young specimens from the same locality and two from Med- bury Springs, Amargosa Desert, California, have the ventrals wholly aborted, and show on dissection no trace of the basals. These occur in the same lots with other specimens having normal ventrals, and are otherwise indistinguishable from them. No full-grown adults were found without ventrals, the largest being a half-grown specimen about one inch long with the characteristic coloration of the males already developed. Ten young specimens from the 'Devil's Hole,' Ash Mead- ows, are all without ventrals, and further collections from this locality would be of interest. In the intestines were found fragments of insects, and in one series of specimens from Saratoga Springs at the south end of Death Valley, California, very numerous shells of a small Gasteropod mollusk. Specimens are in the collection from the following localities : Medbury Spring (6 miles north of the Borax Works), Amargosa Desert, Califor- nia; Ash Meadows, Amargosa Desert, Nevada; Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California; Amargosa Creek, California. Cyprinodou macularius baileyi. subsp. nov. Type locality* — Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, collected by C. Hart Merriam and Vernon Bailey, May 25, 1891. Eleven immature specimens from Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, show no trace of ventral fins. They are olivaceous above, bright silvery on the lower half of sides and behrw, and have two lengthwise series of coarse black spots, one along middle line of body, the other on a level with the lower edge of caudal peduncle. The anal fin is larger than in typical macularius, the eleven specimens having each 13 rays instead of 10 or 11, as constantly in the latter. The material is insufficient to fully decide the status of this form. Except in the characters noted it agrees in proportions and formula} with macularius. empetrichthys gen. nov. (Plate V.) (Cyprinodontidse) . Intestines short, 1£ times length of body. Teeth conic, fixed, in each jaw arranged in a band consisting of two or three 'rows, the outer series somewhat enlarged. Ventrals absent. Branchiostegals five. Both upper and lower pharyngeals greatly enlarged and bearing molar teeth, tubercular in shape. The lower pharyngeals are firmly attached to the ceratobrauchials of the fourth arch, while the massive epibranchials of the same arch serve to connect them firmly at the sides with the pharyn- gobranchials above. The fourth branchial arch bears normal gills. Its median portion is produced anteriorly, forming a triangular exten- sion of the lower pharyngeals in the middle line. On the oral surface this is indistinguishable from the pharyngeals proper, and like them bears molar teeth. Scales normal, large, regularly imbricated, nowhere tubercular "or ridged. 234 NOKTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. This genus seems most nearly allied to Orestias, of which numerous species have been described from lakes in the high Andes of South America. Empetrichthys merriami, sp. nov. (Plate V.) Type locality. — Ash Meadows, Aimrgosa Desert, on boundary between California and Nevada. In form and general appearance much resembling the mud minnow ( Umbra limi), though somewhat deeper and more compressed. Head compressed, its upper surface slightly convex. Mouth, very oblique, with a distinct lateral cleft, the maxillary free at tip only, reach- ing slightly behind front of eye. Length of gape (measured from tip of snout to end of maxillary), 3£ in head; interorbital width, 2^; length of snout (from front of orbit to middle of upper jaw), 3f . Eye small, its greatest oblique diameter 5 to 5£ in bead. Distance from front of dorsal to middle of base of tail equals one-half its distance from tip of snout. The dorsal begins slightly in advance of anal, and ends above its posterior third. Its greatest height equals length of snout and eye. Caudal truncate when spread. Pectorals broadly rounded, reaching halfway to vent. D., 11 or 12 (13 in one specimen) ; A., 14 (from 13 to 15). Lat. 1., 30 or 31, counted to base of caudal rays; 33 or 34 in all. In spirits the color is dark brown above, sides and below lighter, often irregularly blotched with brown and white. The belly often appears checkered, having centers of scales brown and margins white, or the reverse. Fins all dusky, the basal portions of dorsal and caudal with elongated brown spots on the interradial membranes. Several .pecimeus were sec.^ed at Ash Meadows and in Pahrump Valley, Nevada. Gasterosteus williamsoni Girard. Type locality. — Williamson Pass, California. Four specimens of this species collected by Dr. A. K. Fisher at San Bernardino, California, seem to differ from G. microcephalus only in the entire absence of plates on the sides. In microcephalus the plates vary from 3 to 7 in number, but no specimens wholly without plates have been reported from the more northern parts of its range. It is probable that williamsoni will prove a southern subspecies of this widely dis- tributed form, in which case the plated specimens must bear the name Gasterosteus williamsoni microcephalus. The naked form has been reported heretofore from San Bernardino (by Miss Bosa Smith), and from Williamson's Pass by the original describer. The locality of the pass I have not been able to make out. REPORT ON A SMALL COLLECTION OF INSECTS MADE DURING THE ^ DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. By C. V. Riley, With supplementary reports and descriptions of new species by S. W. Williston, P. E. Uhler, and Lawrence Bruner. INTRODUCTION. In connection with the Death Valley Expedition organized by Dr. Merriam arrange inents were made to have Mr. Albert Koebele, one of the agents of the Division of Entomology, stationed at Alameda, in Cali- fornia, join the party with a view of making a collection of the insects of the region. He collected assiduously during the brief period of his connection with the expedition, which was suddenly interrupted by a decision to have him proceed to Australia to study and introduce into California certain beneficial insects. He separated from the rest of the party to return to Alameda the latter part of May and the collecting was done during the months of April and May. The material was for- warded without report prior to his leaving for Australia, so that the specimens are, as a rule, without notes, whether of food-plant, or habit. The collection is also necessarily very incomplete in not representing the fauna of the region in the same degree as it would have done had Mr. Koebele been allowed to continue throughout the expedition. It may be premised in making a report on any such collection as this, that there are few parts of the couutry, however well explored, that will not yield to the entomologist, in a few days' collecting, a good per- centage of species that are new or uudescribed, if all orders are taken into consideration, and this being true of the older settled portions of the country, it is true to a far greater extent of such exceptional re- gions as those included in the Death Valley Expedition. Insects are, also, so numerous in species and specimens, and the uudescribed ma- terial so vast, that the orders may be compared with the classes in the other groups of animals so far as reporting on them is concerned, and no entomologist would consider himself competent at the present day to intelligently report on any general collection, which must be dealt with by the several specialists who have made particular study of spe- cific families and orders. The part which I have prepared is simply a list of the species easily determinable either by comparison with the national collection or by reference to authorities in the several families, 235 236 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. and until the undescribed species and genera are all worked up deduc- tions from the list as to the bearings of the fauna on geographical dis- tribution, must be more or less imperfect and unsatisfactory. Never- theless, a few suggestions as they occur may not be out of place- Taking first the Coleoptera, which represent by far the larger part of the collectings, they have for the most part been carefully compared with the national collection, and I have had the assistance, in the veri- fications, of Mr. M. L. Linell and Mr. E. A. Schwarz, both well acquainted with our North American Coleoptera. Mr. Schwarz has also materially aided in the analysis of the collection. As the chief localities from which the beetles were obtained do not exceed seven, the list has been arranged in tabular series to prevent repetition of localities. This ar- rangement at once shows that the collection comprises some 258 spe- cies, representing 170 genera in 39 families. Of the total number of species arranged according to localities, twenty-eight (a) are of general distribution in North America, i. e., they cross the whole continent, and among these are six cosmopolitan species (a b), while only a single species {Bradycellus cognatus), found in the Argus Mountains, belongs to the circumpolar fauna. About fifty of the species (c) are widely distributed throughout the more arid regions of the West, and about twenty species (d) belong more properly to the fauna of maritime or upper California. Thebulk of these species, as will be noted, were col- lected in San Bernardino County. Deducting the three sets of species and a few others, e. g., the genera Hoinalota, Scopreus, Scymnus, and Cryptophagus, of the distribution of which very little "can be definitely said, there remain about 140 species (those unlettered) which are more or less characteristic of the lower Sonoran fauna. Some nineteen species are undoubtedly new, but only a small num- ber of these belong to families that have been worked up and that can be satisfactorily described. They have not been sent away to special- ists, as probably no one would care to describe them at once. They will, I hope, be worked up by Mr. Schwarz or Mr. Linell, but not in time for this report. I may mention that the Coleopterous fauna of this general region has been collected and studied by several compe- tent observers. Dr. J. L. LeConte early visited the Colorado Desert, and adjacent parts of Arizona; Dr. George H. Horn has also explored the fauna of Owens Valley; Mr. G. R. Crotch collected in a trip across the Mohave Desert; Dr. Edward Palmer collected in southern Utah, while Mr. W. G. Wright has recently made collections in San Ber- nardino County, and Mr. H. F. Wickham along the line of the Atlan- tic and Pacific Railroad in northwestern Arizona. Thus Mr. Koebele's small collection adds very little to our knowledge of the species already worked up. Among the more interesting species Mr. Schwarz has indicated, may be mentioned Pseudopsis n. sp., Mecomycter n. sp., Elasmocerus n. sp., Ore- mastochilus westwoodii, Alaudes singularis, Tanarthrus n. sp., Calo- may, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 237 spasta n. sp.', and a remarkable new genus of Scolytidse. Perhaps the chief interest attaching to the collection is that it permits us to make some comparison between the beetles of the valleys and intervening mountain chains within the region explored. If we omi t those collected in San Bernardino County, which have no exact localities, and also the very few from Coso and Owens Valleys, the following deduction may be made : In Death Valley and Panamint Valley 140 species were found (including 23 species common to both valleys), while in Panamint Moun- tains and Argus Mountains 160 species were found (including 16 species common to both ranges). Comparing the faunas of the valleys and mountains, it will be noted that they have only 36 species in common. This difference is due principally to the marked preponderance of the Staphylinidse in the mountain fauna, the complete absence of the family Meloidse and the marked prevalence of Elateridse and Chrysomelidre in the mountain regions. Continued collecting later in the season might have largely changed this condition of things, however, and hence too much importance should not be attached to the deduction. The Carabidas are the best represented in the collection, 22 genera with 44 species having been collected. The genera are all of wide distribution, and only a few species, e. g., Omophron dentatum, Calosoma prominens, Tetragonoderus pallidm, and Pinacod&ra punctigera, are peculiar to the lower Sonoran region and have all been found in the valleys. The single representative (Bradycellus cognatus) of the circunipolar fauna belongs to this family. In most other families the material collected is too small or not characteristic enough to warrant any generalization. In the Lepidoptera, the Ehopalocera have been determined by com- parison with the national collection or by reference to W. H. Edwards, of Coalburgh, W. Va. The majority of the species are characteris- tic of the southwestern United States, but I have not had time to fully analyze the distribution of the species. The representatives in most of the other families of the Lepidoptera, outside of the Noc- tuidse and Geometridte, are so very few as not to justify consider- ation. In the ]Soctuidfe, which are better represented, most of the species have been reported before, 'but there are a certain number of new species, and Prof. J. B. Smith, of New Brunswick, N. J., to whom these have been referred, finds that they represent even three new genera. In the Geometridae there are six species which can not be determined either generically or specifically, and which are not included in the list. These undescribed forms have been referred to Dr. George D. Hulst*of Brooklyn, K Y., who will, I hope, in due time characterize them. Among the Hymenoptera the Aculeate species comprise genera not restricted to California and include several species which are evidently new. In the parasitic Hymenoptera very little can be said about the collection. The species are most of them new, but this same statement would have to be made of almost any collection of the parasitic forms 238 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. in this order from any part of the Pacific coast, and would be largely true of almost any part of the country. It is a singular fact, however, that no new genera occur, as will be noticed, in the parasitic families, the most interesting fact worthy of mention being the discovery of what is probably a representative of the genus Scolobates, found hereto- fore only in northern Europe. The parasitic Hymenoptera were re- ferred to my assistants, Mr. L. O. Howard for the Chalcididse, and Mr. William H. Ashmeadfor the other families, and the generic references- of the undescribed forms are upon their intimate knowledge of the sub- ject. They will not be able to characterize the many new forms in time for this report. The Diptera were few in number and were referred to Dr. S. W. Williston, who has characterized the new forms, and whose report shows that, small as was the collection, it added three genera to the American fauna. In the Heteroptera the list represents merely the species that were readily determinable, while the balance, including the more interesting forms, have been referred to Mr. P. E. Uhler, of Baltimore, Md., who has kindly reported on them, with definitions of the new genera and species. In the Homoptera, as will be noticed, there are some interesting new species, especially in the family Psyllidse, but until they are carefully compared, I do not feel justified in making any remarks upon them. Nor have I time just now to characterize the undetermined forms which I prefer to do in connection with the very many new species in the Na- tional Collection to which I have already given much study. The Orthoptera are of considerable interest, although the collection is small. In the Acridiidse, which probably have been most thoroughly studied in this country, three new species occur and one new genus. The undescribed material has been referred to Mr. Lawrence Bruner, of Lincoln, Nebr., who has reported on the new forms. Probably the most interesting find in this order is the rediscovery of Scyllina delicatula Scudder. The type of the species, and the only one hitherto found was taken in the Garden of the Gods. Most of the other species are of rather wide distribution. The Arachnida were referred to Dr. Geo. Marx and are determined by him. May, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 239 ORDER COLEOPTERA. o a 3 . p a °g «5 a 03 m > ft 3 > a>> e~ 03 a a Ph a a C g« B.S 03 a OS a e 2 m'el WD «4 o "a > o 00 o O > a O Family Cicindelid^. 38 Family Carabidje. 4 19 1 13 1 1 1 1 1 9 21 :::::::: 2 1 8 14 1 9 7 6 2 1 30 i 5 2 1 2 1 1 2 26 1 1 i 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 8 1 1 3 1 5 10 12 2 2 2 18 10 12 4 1 1 11 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Family DYTisciDiE. 5 20 1 3 1 1 2 2 2 4 3 16 Family Hydeophilid^e. Hydrophilus triangularis Say (a) Ochthebius rectus Lee Helochares normatus Lee Cymbiodyta imbellis Leo 11 Family Silphid.e. Necrophorns nigrita Mannh. id) 1 1 240 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. ORDER COLEORTERA— Continued. |Xo. 7. o a 'S . g£ a d « CO o o O o s O Family Rselaphid^e. 22 47 20 o 14 Family Staphylinid^e. 2 19 ' 1 8 6 1 2 2 1 15 12 8 1 17 32 20 :::::: 3 1 20 1 10 1 3 1 9 10 9 20 i 1 1 1 1 4 19 Anthobium n. sp. (princeps Fauv. i. litt.) (c) 1 Family Rhalacrid^e. 1 Family Corylophid.e. 21 3 1 Family Coccinellid.e. 3 3 1 20 1 1 Coccinella abdominalis Say (a) 1 15 11 18 2 3 1 1 1 1 Family Colydiid^:. Family Ceyptophaoidje. 12 Family Dermestid^e. Attagenns plcens Oliv. (ab) 3 3 1 1 C 2 3 I May, 1803.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 241 ORDER COLEOPTERA— Continued. Family HiSTKElDi Saprinns ciliatus Lee. (c).. Saprinns lubrieiis Lee. (c). Saprinns laridus Lee »6 Family Nitidulidje. Carpophilus yuccas Crotch Carpophilus pallipennis Say (a). Family Lathridiidjf.. Stephostethus liratus Lee. (a) Lathridius flliformis Gyllh. (ab) (Jorticaria cavicollisMannh. (a) . Family Byrrhid.e. Limuichus californicus Lee Family Dascyllid^e. Cyphon concinnus Lee. (c) Family Elaterid^:. Oardiophorus seniculus Blanch Oardiophorus obscurus Lee Anchastus sericeus Horn Melanotus longulus Lee Dolopius lateralis Eschsch. (a) . Melanactes densus Lee Familj' BUPRESTIDJ5. Bnprestis lanta Lee. (c) Anthaxia aeneogaster Lap. (a). Chrysobothris octocola Lee . . . Chrysobothris debilis Lie Acmaeodera tuta Horn Acmaeodera connexa Lee Family Lampyriidje. Podabrus tomentosus Say (a) Silis n. sp Silis filigera Lee Malthodes n. sp Family MAI.ACUUD.E. Malachius macer Horn Malachius mirandus Lee . . Malachius n. sp Attains trimaculatus Mots Priatoscelis conl'orniis Lee Pristoscelis sp Pristoscelis sp Pristoscelis sp Listrus luteipes Lee Listrus diffieilis Lee Listrus sp Doliehosoma n. sp Dolichosoma n. sp Allonyx sculptilis Lee Esehatocrepis constrictus Lee . Mecomycter n. sp Family Clerid.e. Elasmocerus n. sp Triehodes ornatus Sav (c) H.vdnocera discoidea Lee. Lebasiella n. sp OU 23 12731— No. 7- -10 242 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. ORDER COLEOPTERA— Continued. [No. 7. Family Ptinim:. Ernobius sp Sinoxylon declive Lee. . Amphicerus ibrtis Leo Family Scarab^eid.e. Aphodius granarius Linn, (ab) . . . Aphodius rubidns Lee Ataenius abditus Hald. (a) Oncerus floralis Leo Diplotaxis corvina Lee Cotalpa granicollis Hald Creniastochilus westwoodii Horn Family Cerambycid^e. Haplidus testaceus Lee. Family Chrysomelid.e. Coscinoptera vittigera Lee. (c) Lema nigrovittata Guer Exema cbnspersa Mannh. (a) Cryptocephalus sangninieollis Suffr (c) Pachybracbys n. sp Pachybrachys sp Pachybrachys lustrans Leo Glyptoscelis illustris Crotch Metacbroma californicuni Lee Plagiodera n. sp Monoxia consputa Lee. (c) Haltica carinata Germ, (a) Epitrix subcrinita Lee. (c) Phyllotreta albionica Lee. (c) Psylliodes convexior Lee. (c) , Family Bruchid^e. Bruchus prosopis Lee Bruchus protractus Horn Bruchus n. sp Family Texebrionid.e. Triorophus hevis Leo Triorophus subpubesoens Horn . . . Eurymetopon rnfipes Bschsch. (d) Anepsius delioatulus Leo Centrioptera muricata Leo Schizillus laticeps Horn Ciyptoglossa verrucosa Lee Coniontis viatica Eschsch. (d) Eusattus produetus Lee Eleodes granosa Lee Eleodes grandicollis Mannh. (c?) . . . Eleodes arniata Lee Eleodes carbonaria Say (c) Eleodes gracilis Lee Eulabis ruflpes Eschsch Cerenopus concolor Lee Ccelocnemis magna Lee Blapstinus dilatatus Lee Blapstinus brevicollis Lee Blapstinus ruflpes Casey Conibiosoma elongatuin Horn Notibius puberulus Lee Alaudes singularis Horn Family Othniid.se. Othnius umbrosus Lee. (c) Family I'YTHiniE. Cononotus niacer Horn 43 CO r^ CO 15 May, 1803.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 243 ORDER COLEOrTERA— Continued. Family Moedellid^;. Anaspis pusioLec Family Anthicid.e. Notoxus eavicornis Lee Anthicus continis Lee Anthicus dimVilis Lee (a) Antliicus nitidulus Lee (c) ... Anthicus californicus Laf (a) . Tanarthrus n. sp Family Meloid^e. Megetra opaca Horn Cy8teodemus armatus Lee. Neniognatha lutea Lee Xemognatha apicalis Lee . Epieauta n . sp Cantliaris magister Horn . . Calospasta n . sp Calospasta miiabilis Horn. Phodaga alticeps Lee Family Otiorhynxhid.e. Eupagodores varius Lee Eupagodores geminatus Lee. Eupagodores n . sp Nov. gen. and n. sp Nov. gen. andn. sp Family Ctt.ci.lioniDjE. Sitones vittatus Lee (d) Apion ventricosum Lee Apion vicinum Smith Apion antennatum Smith Lixus 4-lineatus Chevr (c) Cleonus vittatus Kirb (c) Sniicronyx n. sp Smicronyx einereus(a) Anthonomus pejjinsularis Dictz Anthonomusebeninus Dietz Macrorlioptus estriatus Lee (c). . Tychius seraisquamosus Lee Tychius setosus Lee Copturus longulus Lee (a) Ceutorhynchus rap» Gyllh (ab) . Ceutorhynchus n. sp Family Calandrid.e. Scyphophorua yuccpe Horn . . . Sphenophorus pictus Lee Sphenophorus simplex Lee (e) Family Scolytid^e. Pityophthorna sp Pityophthorus sp Nov. gen. (near Cryphalus), n. sp . Family Anthribid^e. Brachytarsus tomentosns Say (a) , :«i 22 244 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Order LEPIDOPTERA. Family N ymphalid^e. Melitcea acastus Edw 13 ex., Argus Mountains. Melltcea alma Streck 15 ex., Coso Valley; 1 ex., Panamint Valley; 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Pyrantels cardui Jj 1 ex., San Bernardino County, and abundant everywhere on trip, and migrating towards northwest. Pyrantels earyce Hb 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Lycenid^e. Lemonlas mormo Feld ..T 1 ex., Argus Mountains ; 1 ex. , Panamint Mountains; 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Thecla dumetorum Bd lex., San Bernardino County; 5, Coso Valley ; 2, Argus Mountains. Thecla spinetorum Bd 3 ex., Argus Mountains; 1, Panamint Mountains. Lyccena acmon Doubl 1 ex., Panamint Valley ; 1, Argus Moun- tains. Lyccena amyntula Bd 8 ex., Coso Valley ; 1, Panamint Valley ; 2 Argus Mountains. Lyccena exllis Bd 1 ex., Argus Mountains; 1, Death Val- ley; 2, Panamint Valley. Lyccena daedalus Behr 1 ex., Death Valley. Lyccena neglecta Edw 1 ex. , Coso Valley ; 1, Death Valley. Lyccena lygdamas Dd 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Lyccena ore- Scudd 4 ex., Argus Mountains. Lyccena pheres, var. emus Bd 1 ex., Argus Mountains; 2, Coso Valley. Lyccena oaltoides Behr 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Family PapilioniDjE. Plerls occkerll Edw 2 ex., Argus Mountains. m Picris sisymbrll Bd 2(5 ex. , Argus Mountains. Anthocharis cethura Feld 19 ex., Argus Mountains. Anthocharls ansonides Bd 15 ex., Argus Mountains; 2, Panamint Mountains; 5, Coso Valley; 6, Para- dise Valley. Collas ariadne Edw 1 ex., Coso Valley. Papilio zolicaon Bd 5 ex., Argus Mountains; 1, San Bernar- dino County. Family HksperiDjE. Copceodes procris Edw 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Pamphila nevada Scud 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Pamphila phylceus Dru 1 ex., Death Valley. Pyrgus tesselata Scud 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Pyrgus erlcetorum Bd 9 ex., Coso Valley ; 3, Argus Mountains. Nisonlades alpheus Edw 2 ex., Argus Mountains ; 1, Coso Valley. Eudamus nevada Scud 1 ex. , Argus Mountains. Mat,1S93.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 245 Family Sphingidje. Lepiseaia phaeton G. and R 1 ex. , Sau Bernardino County. Family SesiiDjE. Sesia sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Agaristice. Alypia riding six Gr , 3 ex., Argus Mountains; 1, Panamint Mountains ; 1, SanBernardino County. Family Pyromorphid^:. Triprocri8 smitlisonianus Clem ,5 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Arctiidae. Leptaretia decia Bd 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Notodontid^e. Centra n. sp 3 ex., Owens Valley. Family Cossid^:. Hypopta bertkoldi Grt 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Noctuid.e. Melipotis jucunda Hb 1 ex. , Panamint Mountains. Syneda howlandii Gr 1 ex., Argus Mountains. CirrhoboUna deducta Morr ....1 ex., Death Valley Rypena pelligera Smith 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Grotella dis Gr 24 ex., Argus Mountains. Thalpocliares arizonce H. Edw 10 ex., Argus Mountains. Mamestra eurialis Grt 18 ex., Argus Mountains. Mamestra crotchii Grt 2 ex., Argus Mountains Acontia crelata Grt. and Robs 8 ex., Argus Mountains. Acontia lanceolata Grt 6 ex., Argus Mountains. Triocnemis saporis Grt 1 ex., Argus Mountains. (Much paler thau typical form.) MeUcleptria n. sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Oneoencmis ? n. sp 5 ex., Argus Mountains. Schinia sp 3 ex., Argus Mountains. Schinia n. sp : 20 ex., Argus Mountains. Antaplaga n. sp 5 ex., Argus Mountains. Heliophana n. sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Nov. gen. et n. sp 7 ex., Argus Mountains. Nov. gen. et n. sp 3 ex., Argus Mountains. Nov. gen. et n. sp. (congeneric with above.). .6 ex., Argus Mountains. Scotogramma n. sp. (?) 8 ex., Argus Mountains. Nov. gen. et n. sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Nootua havilae Grt 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Plusia sp. (badly rubbed.) 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Agrotis (sens, lat.) n. sp 3 ex., San Bernardino Countj. Homoptera mima var 4 ex., Death Valley. Pleonectyptera n. sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. 246 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. tNo.T. Family Geometrip^e. Azelina hiibnerata Gn 4 ex., Argus Mountains. Azelina meskearia Pack 8 ex., Argus Mountains. Hetaira ephelidaria Hulst 1 ex., Panamint Valley ; 1 ex. , Argus Mountains. Anaplodes festaria Hulst 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Xemoria phyllinaria Zell 2 ex., Panamint Valley. Semiothisa metaiiemaria Hulst 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Semiothisa californiata Pack 12 ex., Argus Mountains ; 3 ex., Death Valley; 2 ex., San Bernardino County; 1 ex., Coso Valley. Phasiane sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Phasiane meadiata Pack 8 ex., Panamint Valley. Phasiane neptata Gn 1 ex., Panamint Mountains. Marmopteryx tesselata Pack 1 ex., Coso Valley ; 1, Argus Mountains. Lepiodes escaria Gr 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Lepiodes behrensala Pack 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Gory lodes n. sp 3 ex., Argus Mountains. Boarmia furfuraria Hulst 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Eupiihoecia rotundopennata Pack 1 ex., Death Valley. Eupithwcia zygadaniata Pack lex., Argus Mountains. Eupithwcia taeniata H ulst 2 ex. , Argus Mountains. " Coremia defensaria" according to label by 9 ex., Argus Mountains; 1 ex., Death Packard in collection, Hulst. ' Valley. Family Phycitidje. Oriholepis near jug o sella Rag 12 ex., Argus Mountains. Ephestia nigrella Hulst 1 ex., Death Valley. Lipographis fenestrella Pack, var lex., Death Valley. Homeosoma mucidellum Rag 2 ex. , Death Valley. Order HYMENOPTERA. Family Apid.e. Xylocopa sp 2 ex., Panamint Valley. Xylocopa sp 2 ex., Panamint Mountains. Antliophora sp 2 ex., Panamint Mountains. JJiadasia sp 10 ex., Coso Valley. Diadasia sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Melxssodes sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Jnthidium sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Osmia sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Nomada sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Perdita (Hacrotera) cephalotes Cr 2 ex., Panamint Mountains. Panurgus sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Panurgu8&]) 5 ex., Panamint Mountains. Family Andrenice. Macropis sp 5 ex., Panamint Valley. Cili88a albihirta Ashm 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Cilissa sp 2 ex., Panamint Valley. Ealictus sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. May, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 247 Family Sphechxe. Priononyx thomai Fabr 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Masarid.e. Masaris sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Family Eumenid,e. Odynerus sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Odynerus sp ' 1 ex., Death Valley. Ancistrocerus sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Ancistrocerus sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Ancistrocerus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Mutillid.e. Spharophtltahna sp 2 ex., Death Valley. Sphcerophthalma sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Spharophthalma sp 1 ex., Argus Mouu tains. Family FORMICIDJE. Camponotus castaneus Latr 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Formica Integra Nyl I ex.. Argus Mountains. male 1 ex. , Panamint Mountains. Family MYRMECIDiE. Aphcenogaster pergandei Mayr Lone Pine. Family Bkaconid.e. Bracon sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Bracon sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Bracon sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Microbracon sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Microbracon sp 1 ex., Monterey County. Microbracon sp 2 ex. , Argus Mountains. Microbracon sp 1 ex. , Santa Clara County. Microbracon sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Heterospilus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Bathystomus sp I ex., Argus Mountains. Chelonus sp 1 ex., Ai'gus Mountains. Acwlins sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Apanteles sp 8 ex., Argus Mountains. J pantcles sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Microplitis sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Agathis vulgaris Cr 2 ex. ; 1, Argus Mountains; 1, ranamint Valley. Agath is nigripes Cr 1 ex . . Argus Mountains. Eupkorus mellipes Cr 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Lysipklebus euewrbitapMs Ashm 2 ex., Monterey County. Family Ichneumonid.e. Crypt us sonoriu8 Cr., female 2 ex., Death Valley. Ophion bilinmtum Say 1 ox., Sonoma County. Lint neria cupressi Ashm 1 ex., Argus Mountains. 248 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Limneria fugitiva Say 1 ex., Monterey County. Scolobates sp. (or a new genus closely allied). .1 ex., Argus Mountains. (Collected on Pinus monophylla.) Anomalon sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Plecliscus sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Exetastes sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Banchus spinosus Cr 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Orthocentrus sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Pimpla no vita Cr 9 ex., Argus Mountains. (Collected on Pinus monophylla.) Family PrOCTOTRYPID.E. Ceraphron sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Ceraphron sp ." 2 ex., Panamint Mountains. Family ChalcidiDjE. Leucaspis affinis Say 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Chalcis sp 2 ex., Death Valley. Chalets sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Chalcis sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Acanthochalcis sp 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Becatoma sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Isosoma sp 15 ex., Argus Mountains. Ashmeadia sp 2 ex. (Collected on Pinus monophylla.) Systole sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Perilampus sp 2 ex., San Bernardino County. Perilampus sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Holaspls sp 1 ex., Death Valley. Torymus sp 3 ex. , Argus Mountains ; 1 on Pinus mono- phylla. Torymus sp 29 ex., Argus Mountains; 13 on Pinus monophylla. Syntomaspis sp 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Metapelma sp 1 ex., Panamint Mountains. Ratzeburgia sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Eupelmus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. (Collected on Pinus monophylla.) Eupelmus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. (Collected on Pinus monophylla.) Antigaster sp., male 1 ex., San Bernardino County. Reared from eggs of a Phaneroptera. Polychroma sp 1 ex., Death Valley ; 1, Panamint Valley; 1, Argus Mountains. Encyrtus sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Diorachys sp 32 ex., Argus Mountains. Euielus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Isocyrtus sp 2 ex., Owens Valley. Arthrolyius sp 1 ex., Panamint Mountains. Meraporus sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Platyterma sp 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Anogmus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Eupleetrus sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Teleogmus sp 1 ex., Monterey County. Olinx sp 2 ex., Argus Mouutains. Mat, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 249 Sympiesus sp - 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Omphale sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Entedon sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Chrysocharis sp 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Euderus sp 4 ex., Argus Mountains. Tetrastichus sp. (3 species) 8 ex., Argus Mountains, Panamint Val- ley, and Death Valley. Order HETEROPTERA. Family CorimeLjEnid^e. Corimelcena exlensa Uhler 11 ex , Panamint Mountains; 2 Pana-. mint Valley ; 1 Argus Mountains. Family Pentatomidje. Brochymena obscura H. Sch 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Lioderma sayi Stal 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Peribalus Umbolarius Stal 1 ex., Panamint Valley. ThyantarugulosaSay 1 ex., Argus Mountains. 14 ex., Nev. 671. Carpoeoris lynx Fabr 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Dendrocoris pint Mont 9 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- phylla. Family Coreid^e. Ficana apicalis Dall 3 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- vhylla. 4 ex., Panamint Valley. Harmostes reflexulus Stal lex., Death Valley. Corizus lateralis Say 1 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- phylla. Family Berytrid^e. Keides muticus Say 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Lyg^id^e. Nysius angustatus Uhler , 15 ex., Argus Mountains. Isehnorhynohus didymus Zett 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Cymodema tabida Spin lex., Owens Valley; 1 Panamint Mountains. Eremocoris tropicus Dist 4 ex., Argus Mouutains. Melanocoryphus bicrucis Say 1 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- phylla. Lygo3U8 reclivatus Say 1 ex., Panamint Valley. • Family Pyrrhocorid^e. Largus ductus H. Sch 1 ex., Argus Mountains; 1 ex., Coso Valley; 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Capsid^e. Campsocerocoris annulicornis Reut 2 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- phylla. Hadronema robusta Uhler 1 ex., Owens Valley. 250 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Lygus pratensis Linn 1 ex., Death Valley. Lygus invitus Say 2 ex., Death Valley. Dicyphus seeundus Uhler , 5 ex., Argus Mountains. Family AntiiocoriDjE. Tripldeps insidiosus Say . 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Family TiNGiTiDiE. Tingis arcuata Say 5 ex., Argus Mountains. Coryth ma ciliata Say. var 25 ex., Argus Mountains. • Family Nabidje. Coriscus ferus Linn 1 ex., Death Valley. Family Reduviid^e. Diplodus socius Uhlcr 2 ex., Panamint Valley; 1, Panamint Mountains. Apiomerus ventralis Say lex., Panamint Valley. Ginea rileyi Mont 5 ex., Death Valley ; 4 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Veliid^e. Hebrus pucellus Burm 2 ex , Panamint Mountains. Macrovelia hornii Uhler 2 ex., Argus Mountains. Family Saldid^e. Species of Salda undetermined. Family Galgulid^e. Mononyx stygicus Say 3 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Notonectid^e. Anisops platycnemis Fieb 1 ex., Death Valley. Order HOMOPTERA. Family Fulgorid^e. Delphax tricarinatus Say 1 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mono- phylla. Cixius 8tigmatus Say 1 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mo- nophylla. Family Mkmhracid,e. Platgcenlrus aeuticornis Stal 20 ex., San Bernardino County. Centrodus atlas Goding 48 ex. , Death Valley. Mnltareis cornutus Goding 2 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Bythoscopid^e. Agallia siccifolia Uhler 12 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mo- nophylla. May, 1893.] INSECTS OP THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 251 Family Cercopid^e. Proconia hieroglyphica Say 1 ex., Argns Mountains. Proconia costalis Pabr 1 ex., Argus Mountains, on Pinus mo- nophylla. Family Jassidjs. Several species not determined. Family Psyllid^e. Aphalara n. sp 23 e*., Argus Mountains, May, 1891. Aphalara n. sp 5 ex., Argus Mountains, May, 1891. Aphalara n. sp 5 ex., Argus Mountains, May, 1891. Aphalara n. sp 23 ex., Death Valley, April, 1891. N. g. et. n. sp 34 ex., Panamint Mountains and Argus Mountains. Psylla n. sp 47 ex., Argus Mountains, April and May, 1891. J' Psylla n. sp 40 ex., Argus Mountains, April and May, 1891. ( ?) Psylla n. sp 1 ex.; Argus Mountains, May, 1891. Trioza n. sp 136 ex., Death Valley and Argus Moun- tains. Order ORTHOPTERA. Family Forficulidje. Tridactylusn. sp 3 ex., San Bernardino County; 1 ex., Lone Pine. (A. K. Fisher.) Family Blattid^e. Heterogamia sp. (probably new) 1 ex. Family Gryllid^e. Nemobius sp. (probably new) 1 ex. Gryllus abbreviatus Serv. (?) 4 ex., Panamint Valley ; 2, Argus Moun- tains. Family Locustidje. Stenopelmatus talpa Burm 1 ex., Panamint Valley. Family Acridiid^e. Paratettix mexicanus Sauss 8 ex., Panamint Valley. Paratettix toltecus Sauss. (not quite typical). .17 ex., Panamint Valley. Dracotettex n. sp 6 ex., Panamiut Valley. Haldemanella robusta Brun 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Hippiscus latertius ^auss (var) 8 ex., Argus Mountains; 4, Panamint Valley. Hippiscus aurilegulus Scudd 1 ex. Anconia Integra Scudd. (modified in color).. .8 ex., Death Valley. 252 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Encoptoloplius n. sp 19 ex., Panamiut Valley ; 5 ex., Death Valley. Scirtettica n. sp 1 ex. Scyllina delicatula Scudd 1 ex. N. gen. et n. sp.; between (Edlpoda and Eri- mobia 1 ex. . Leptysma mexicana Sauss 18 ex., Panamint Valley. Psoloessa texana Scudd 3 ex., Coso Valley Trimerotropis vinculata Scudd 3 ex., Panamiut Valley. Thrincws aridus Brun 2 ex., Pauamint Valley. Camnula pellucida Several ex., Walker Basin. (Dr. A. K. Fisher.) ARACHNID A. Family IxoDiD-a:. Argas occidenfalis Marx From dog's ear, Ash Meadows, Nev., March 9, 1891. (A. K. Fisher.) Bhipistoma leporis Marx From rabbit's ear. Kern River, Calif., July 4, 1891. (A. K. Fisher.) Ixodes ricinus L 3. From Thomomys, Walker Pass, Calif., July 1. 1891. (A. K. Fisher.) Iihipicephalus angiistipalpis Marx From jack rabbit, Daggett, Calif., Jan. 7,1891. (A.K.Fisher.) Dermacentor americanus L From child's ear, Loue Pine, Calif., June 9, 1891. (A. K. Fisher.) Family Scorpionid^e. Yejovis punctipalpis Wood 1 ex. (A. K. Fisher), Panamiut Moun- tains, April. May, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 253 LIST OF DIPTERA OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. By S. W. WlLLISTON. The following pages include a list of the species contained in a small collection of Diptera from Death Valley and the adjoining regions, sent me recently for determination by Prof. Riley. That the larger part of them should be new to science is not at all strange, inasmuch as they are, for the greater part, members of families which have been but lit- tle studied in America. The collection is of considerable interest as adding three European or African genera hitherto unrecorded from America, among which the wingless Apterina is the most remarkable. After careful search I have found it necessary to describe two new genera — one among the Dexiidae, the other an Ephydrinid. Culex inornatus n. sp. Female. — Palpi yellowish brown. Proboscis yellowish, black at the tip. Antennae black, tbe basal joints yellowish. Occiput black, clotbed mostly with whitish pu- bescence. Thorax red, the dorsum reddish brown, thinly clothed with light yellow and white tomentum, and blackish bristly hairs. Pleurae with white tomentum. Abdomen black, somewhat yellowish in ground-color on the second and third seg- ments, covered with white scale-like tomentum on the front and sides of the seg- ments, on the posterior part of the segments with blackish tomentum. Legs brown- ish; on the inner side thickly, on the outer side thinly, covered with white tomen- tum. Wings nearly hyaline, the tomentum of the veins blackish. Length, 5-6mm. One specimen, Argus Mountains, April, 1891 (Koebele). Both this and the follow- ing species belong to the genus Culex in the restricted sense of Lynch. Culex n. sp. Female. — Dark brown or black, the occiput covered with white and brown tomen- tum. Palpi black, at the tip silvery. Proboscis black, with a white ring beyond the middle. Antennas black. Dorsum of thorax covered with brown and white to- mentum, the white toward either side posteriorly, and forming two slender lines, abbreviated anteriorly. Pleura? with white tomentum. Abdomen deep brown, with six conspicuous rings of white tomentum on the anterior part of the segments, the ground-color under them yellow; on the second segment a white tomeutose spot in front. Legs nearly black, the base of all the femora yellowish. On the outer side of the femora, in large part, and along the whole inner side of the legs, as also moder- ately broad rings at the articulations of all the tarsal joints, white. Wings nearly hyaline; tomentum blackish, distributed nearly evenly on the veins. Length, 6mm. One specimen, Argus Mountains, Calif., April. This species is closely allied to C. annulatus Meigen, which occurs in the western regions and in Mexico, but seems to differ in the uniformly distributed tomentum of the wings. Simulium argus n. sp. Female. — Black, the legs in part light yellow. Front black, opaque. Face cinere- ous, with whitish pubescence. Antenna? brownish black, the basal joint yellowish. Thorax black, the dorsum thinly pollinose, not shining; pleurae densely white polli- nose, with a black spot. Abdomen opaque velvety black, the first three segments with a narrow silvery white spot on either side at the hind margin; the next three segments similarly marked, but the interval between the spots successively wider, and each with two other, successively larger, white spots, leaving a black space in the middle and a narrower one at the outer sides. Venter white. Legs brownish 254 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. black, the distal part of the femora, base of tibia?, and the grer.ter part of the me- tatarsi light yellow. Wings pure hyaline, the veins light colored, those posteriorly very delicate. Length, 2^mm. One specimen, Argus Mountains, Calif., May, 1891. Psilocephala n. sp. ? A single male specimen. Panamint Valley, April. Thereva vialis Osten Sacken, Western Dipt., 274. A single male specimen, Death Valley, Calif., April, 1891. Erax aridus sp. [var.] n. A single female specimen, considerably larger than the type of E. latrunculus Will, differs from that species in the legs being wholly black, the hair of the face being wholly white, and in the furcation of the third vein taking place opposite, instead of distinctly beyond the base of the second posterior cell. I am not sure till the male is examined, that these differences are specific. The very marked difference in the color of the legs will, however, justify the varietal name. Anthrax n. sp. This species, represented by a single specimen from Panamint Valley, I can not identify with any described species. In Coquillett's most recent synopsis, it is brought straight to A. scitula, from which it differs, however, in important particu- lars, aside from the markings of the wings, the figure of which, herewith given, will permit the recognition of the species. Anthrax fenestratoides Coquillett, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. xix, 185, 1892. A single specimen, agreeing well with the description, from Panamint Valley, Calif. Anthrax (Stonyx) sodom, n. sp. Female. — Black, the legs chiefly yellowish. Face produced conically; clothed, like the front, with black pile slightly intermixed with white tomeutum. Proboscis not projecting beyond the epistoma. Style of antennae about twice the length of the bulbous portion. Occiput with yellowish tomeutum. Mesonotum clothed with white tomentum and sparse, erect, black hairs. Abdomen white tomentose, with a moder- ate amount of black tomentum, and with sparse, erect, long black hairs; the mar- gins of the abdomen with black and white pile. Base of femora somewhat blackish ; front tibia? without spinules; front ungues small, the pulvilli apparently wanting. Wings with brown markings, as in the figure. Length 7mra. One specimen, Death Valley, Calif., April, 1891 (Koebele). Anthrax n. sp. A single specimen, from Panamint Valley, Calif., seems to belong to a new species. It is taken to be A. (Dipalta) serpentina in Coquillett's table, from which it differs decidedly. The figure herewith given will enable it to be recognized. Aphcebantus vittatus Coquillett, Can. Entom. May, 1886. A single specimen from Panamint Valley, Calif., April 21 (Koebele), seems to be this, though the thorax and abdomen do not have a very " vittate " appearance. Argyrarnoeba daphne Osten Sacken, Biol. Centr. Amer. Diptera, i, 104, pi. 11, f. 6, 1886.— Mexico. One male, from Panamint Valley, Calif. It agrees so closely with the description and figure of this species that I believe the determination very probable. It has, however, three submarginal cells in each wing, a fact which sustains Coquillett's objections to the acceptation of Stonyx and Dipalta. Triplasius novus n. sp. Male. — Head narrower than the thorax. Eyes broadly contiguous, the facets markedly larger above, but without a dividing line, the posterior orbits with a dis- tinct incision. Antenna} inserted close together, slender, second joint short, about Mat, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 255 as long as broad, and about one-third the length of first joint; third joint longer than the first two together, a little thickened at the base, slender on the distal half, terminating in a minute bristle. Frontal triangle with a median impression; tri- angle and face clothed with abundant pile. Oral opening large, its upper margin nearly opposite the middle of the eyes. Proboscis long, palpi slender. ThoTax and abdomen clothed with thick, bushy pile. Abdomen a little longer than the thorax and abdomen together. Legs not strong; ungues gently curved; pulvilli about half of the length of the claws, distinct. Three marginal cells present, the neura- tion otherwise as in Bombyliits. Front light-grayish pollinose, clothed with black hairs in the middle. First two joints of the antennas with abundant black hair. Face with abundant light-yellowish hair, intermixed with black ; the uppermost part of the face in ground-color is black; along the oral margin, reaching the eyes, broadly yellow. Cheeks black, grayish pollinose. Antennae, palpi, and proboscis black. Pile of the occiput light yellowish or white. Thorax and scutellum opaque black, but almost wholly obscured by the long and abundant light yellow or white pile. Abdomen with long and abundant light yellowish or white pile ; the sides of the second segment and the terminal segment with bushy, black hair. Legs black. Wings dark brown, more yellowish along the costa, and lighter colored distally. Length, llrara. One specimen, Panamint Valley, Calif., April, 1891. The species is in all respects a Bombyliits with three submarginal cells. Comastes sackeni n. sp. Female. — Differs from C. robmtus in the smaller size, the presence of black hairs on the face and thorax, the wholly black scutellum, which is without bristles on its margin, in the abdomen being rather uniformly clothed with shorter white pile, in- termixed with numerous long black hairs, and in the greater infuscation of the basal portion of the wings. The femora and tibia? are black. Length, 9mm. One specimen, Argus Mountains, Calif., May, 1892. Geron, n. sp. A single, injured specimen, agreeing somewhat with specimens of G. albidipennis, but apparently different. Death Valley, Calif., May. Lordotus sororculus n. sp. Deep black, shining. Face, first two joints of the antenna? and the front clothed wholly with deep black pile. First antenual joint about half of the length of the slender third joiut, the secoud joint but little longer than wide. Pile of the occiput, yellowish gray; that of the mesonotum and scutellum of the same color, abundant; some black pile on the pectus. Scutellum convex, without impression or groove. Knob of the halteres, yellow. Abdomen, both above and below, with long, nearly white pile. Legs black, with light-yellowish tomentum and black pile. Wings, pure hyaline. Length, 8mm. Two specimens, Coso Valley, May 21, and Kern County, Calif. Melanostoma n. sp. A single male specimen from Argus Mountains, Calif., May, 1891, evidently belongs to an undescribed species. It is nearest related to M. ceerulescens Will., but has the abdomen oval and elongate. Oncunyia abbreviata Loew. Williston, etc. A single specimen of this widely distributed insect from Panamint Valley, Calif., April, 1891. Pipunculus aridus n. sp. Male. — Front and face black, with silvery pubescence. Antenna? black; third joint silvery on the_ lower part, produced below iuto a spinous point. Thorax black, dorsum a little shining, faintly brownish dusted on the disk. Abdomen greenish black, shining. Legs black; the immediate tip of the femora, the base of the tibia?, 256 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. and all the tarsi, save their tip yellow. Hind femora without bristles below. Wings hyaline; last section of the fourth vein sinuous, the three outer sections of the same vein of nearly equal length. Small cross vein much beyond the tip of the auxiliary vein. Length 3mm. One specimen, Argus Mountain, California, April, 1891. Is most nearly allied to P. flavitarsis Will. , but differs in the color of the abdomen, and the more produced third joint of the antennae. Blepharopeza adusta Loew. Centur. x, 67. A single specimen from Sonoma County, Calif. (Riley), agreeing well with the de- scription, save that all the tibiae are reddish. Prospherysa similis n. sp. Male. — Front somewhat narrowed behind; frontal stripe dark brown, on each side a single row of bristles descending below the base of the third antennal joint. Sides of the face and the cheeks wholly without bristles. Antennae black; third joint four or five times the length of the second joint, not reaching the vibrissa©; arista thickened to about the middle. Face and sides of the front yellowish gray, a darker spot on the lower part of the cheeks. Palpi yellow, thorax black, lightly dusted, with three linear, darker stripes, scarcely visible behind. Tip of scutellum red, with four marginal bristles on each side, a small, medium, decussate pair and two small, subdiscal ones. Abdomen somewhat elongate ; first segment only a little shorter than the second; all the segments marmorate with white; first and second segments each with a pair of marginal bristles, the third segment with six before the hind margin, the fourth segment with a subdiscal pair and numerous ones near the margin; hypopygium, red. Thorax, abdomen, and legs clothed with long and abun- dant black hair. Legs, deep black; pul villi and claws elongate, the former light yellow, the latter yellowish; front tibiae with a row of short bristles on the outer side ; middle tibiaB with two or three median stout bristles ; hind tibiae with numer- ous bristles, of which two are longer than the rest. Tegulse, white. Wings, grayish hyaline; the small cross vein situated a little before the middle of the discal cell. Length 13™ m. Female. — Front broader, about one-third of the width of the head ; a pair of orbital bristles present ; hair of thorax and abdomen less abundant, and that of the abdomen more recumbent and bristly; claws and pulvilli not elongate. Length, 10mm. Two specimens, Sonoma County, Calif. The female bears the label " Clisiocampa," sp. The species is nearest allied to P. apicalis v. d. Wulp, where it is clearly brought by Wulp's table. It will be distinguished from P. promiscua Towns., as also P. xcebsleri Towns., by the bare eyes, as well as other characters. Prospherysa sp. A single male specimen from Alameda County, Calif. (Riley), seems to agree well with P. plagiodes v. d. Wulp in its neurational characters, but has the third vein bristly for a short distance only. Melanodexia gen. nov. Eyes of male separated above by the ocellar prominence; front in the female very broad. Bristles of the front numerous and hair-like in the male; in the female shorter, fewer, and stouter; not descending below the base of the antennas. Eyes bare. Second joint of the antennas somewhat swollen, the third joint not three times the length of the second; arista short plumose. Sides of face and the cheeks hairy. Vibrissal ridges nearly parallel: vibrissio slender, situated a considerable distance above the orai margin, the epistoma not projecting. Bottom of the facial groove only gently convex. Width of the cheeks less than one-half of the greater diameter of the eyes. Proboscis short, palpi slender. Thorax and scutellum with well developed bristles. Abdomen short-conical, without distinct macrochaatae, save on the distal part; in the male, with abundant erect hair on the anterior segments, and thin bristles posteriorly; in the female, with short recumbent bristles anteriorly, May,1S9u.| insects of the death valley expedition. 257 and longer bristles posteriorly. Third longitudinal vein strongly convex in front, terminating very near the tip of the wing; antepenultimate section of the fourth vein fully twice the length of the penultimate section, tho latter joining the ultimate section in an angle, which may be slightly rounded in the female. Legs not elon- gate, the bristles of ordinary size; hind tibia? not eiliate; pulvilli and ungues small in both sexes. This genus is nearest allied to Morinia and Pseudomonnia, but differs in the small claws of the male, the higher position of the vibrissa', the situation of the posterior cross-vein, the closed first posterior cell, and the absence of discal and marginal bristles on the anterior abdominal segment. Melanodexia tristis n. sp. Male. — Wholly black, shining, with black bristles and hair. Teguhe blackish; pulvilli yellow. Frontal stripe opaque, very narrow above, separating the eyes; three or four times as wide below; the narrow lunula shining. Hair of the lower part of the cheeks long. Thorax and scutellum with long bristles and mod- erately abundant erect hair. First two segments of the abdomen with abundant erect hair, posteriorly the abdomen is, for the greater part, clothed with numerous, erect, slender bristles. Wings tinged with blackish, especially along the veins. Length, 6mm. Female. — Frontal stripe very broad, on each side with a row of short bristles; orbital and ocellar bristles present. Thorax and abdomen not hairy, but nearly bare, with short, recumbent bristles instead. Length, 7""". One male, Southern California (Baron;, and one female, Monterey County, Calif. (Riley). Lispa tenlaculata Degeer, Ins. vi, 42, 15, 1776 (Musca) Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Ins. iv, 347, 1809; Fallen, Dipt, Suec. Muse. 93, i, 1820; Meigen, Syst. Beschr. v. 220, 182G; Macquart, Hist. Nat. Dipt, ii, 314, 1835; Zetterstedt, Dipt, Scand. v, 1796, 1816; Walker, Ins. Dipt. Brit, ii, 147, 1853; Schiner, Fauna Austr. i, 660, 1862; Rondani, Dipt. Ital. Prodr. vi, 289, 1877; v. d. Wulp, Tijdschr. v. Ent. xi, 1868, pi. ii, f. 6; Kowarz, Wien. Ent. Zeit. xi, 000, 1892. Habitat. — All Europe (Kowarz), New England, Michigan, South Dakota. California. Two specimens, Panamint Valley, April, 1892. Tho species is especially charac- terized by the slender spur-like projection of the front metatarsi in the male. Euxesta spoliata u. sp. Female. — Shining, somewhat metallic green. Front, red or reddish yellow, with moderately coarse hairs. Antenna1, reddish or brownish yellow, third joint rounded. Face, reddish yellow, of a little lighter color than the front, not pollinose. Thorax, bright green, somewhat shining, thinly pruinose. Abdomen, black or pitchy black, the first two segments red or yellowish. Legs, yellowish or brownish red, the distal joints of all the tarsi blackish. Halteres, light yellow. Wings, whitish hyaline, with light-colored veins, except in the dark spots, where they are blackish ; the costal and subcostal cells are blackish throughout, encroaching somewhat on the marginal cell. The large blackish spot at the tip begins on the costa a little beyond the middle of the antepenultimate section and reaches nearly to the fourth vein ; the last section of the fourth vein converges markedly toward the third. Length, 4mm. Three specimens, Death Valley and Panamint Mountains, Calif. Ephydra tarsata n. sp. Front shining greenish black, with two pairs of proclinate ocellar bristles; about three pairs of reclinate bristles below, a row along the orbit, directed inward, and a vertical bristle to the inner side of the row, directed inward. Antennae black; a small bristle on the upper side of the second joint; arista very short, pubescent on the much thickened basal portion. Face showing somewhat greenish beneath the grayish pruinosity; hair long and black. Thorax black, with a thin gray pruinosity; the dorsum faintly striate. Abdomen black, olivaceous grayish pollinose, not shin- 12731— No. 7 17 25-8 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. ing; hypopygium small, mostly concealed. Legs black, grayish or greenish prut- nose; front metatarsi in the male thickener! and Longer than the following three joints together; in the female, simple hut elongate. Wings grayish, hyaline; small cross vein opposite the tip of the hist longitudinal vein; posterior cross vein oblhjue. Length, 5-6ain'. Two specimens, Owens Valley, May 21, 1891. This species will be readily recognized by the small hypopygium of the male, and the thickened front metatarsus iu the same sex, together with the nearly bare; arista. Notiphila decoris n. sp. Female. — Front gray or brownish gray, with two black stripes, separated by the triangular, brownish ocellar triangle ; the median, anteriorly directed pair of bristles well developed. Antennas and palpi black. Face opaque, light golden yellow. Dorsum of thorax and scutellum opaque yellowish brown, somewhat grayish an- teriorly; the stripes only feebly indicated. Pleurae more grayish-yellow below, with two shining black spots. Abdomen chiefly dark coffee-brown, with tin- poste- rior part and a median stripe on each segment gray. Legs black, the base of the frout metatarsi and the first three joints of the four posterior tarsi reddish yellow. AVings cinereous. Length, 3|mm. One specimen, Panamint Valley, Calif, April. Pelomyia gen. nov. Ephydridarum. Third joint of antennae rounded, second joint not unguiculated; arista long, very finely pubescent, nearly bare. Eyes wholly bare. Face of only moderate breadth, moderately convex. Cheeks moderately broad. Front moderately broad with well- developed bristles. Clypeus not projecting. Thorax with four rows of bristles, ex- tending to the anterior part. Middle tibiae without bristles on the outer side. The genus seems nearest related to Pelina, from which it differs in the retracted clypeus, the bristles of the anterior part of the thorax, etc. The eyes are bare under the highest magnification. The neuration does not differ from Notiphila, etc. Pelomyia occidentalis n. sp. Male, female. — Vertical triangle large, yellowish gray; front, below the triangle, opaque yellow, the orbital margins narrowly white, polliuose; vertical triangle, with two proclinate bristles; a row of three bristles on the orbital margin. Anten- nas brownish black, the tinder side of the third joint yellowish; second joint with a weak bristle at its extremity. Face yellow, not broad, somewhat whitish, pollinose; on either side with a few short, weak bristles. Dorsum of thorax brownish gray. •with three slender brown stripes. Scutellum large, bare, with two pairs of bristles, the intermediate pair near the apex and large, the outer pair small. Abdomen black, with a brownish pubescence, opaque, the small hypopygium shining black; in shape elongate oval ; sixth and seventh segments of the female very short. Legs black, or somewhat luteous, rather slender ; femora with some short bristles. Wings nearly hyaline. Length, 2£ram. Two specimens, Monterey, Calif. Scarcely any attention has hitherto been given to the BorboridfB of America, a group of considerable interest, as including several of the few wingless forms of Diptera. I have examined about twenty species of the family from the United States and West Indies, nearly all of which are yet undescribed. I give here a table of genera based upon these species, and will shortly publish descriptions of them: North American genera of Borboridce: 1. Wingless species APTKRINA Wings fully developed 2 May, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 259 2. Fourth ami fifth veins of the wings incomplete beyond the discal cell, not reach- ing the border Limosina Fourth vein, at least, fully developed and reaching the border 3 3. Scutellum with well-developed bristles; the fifth vein incomplete beyond the discal cell BOKBORUS Scutellum without bristles; fifth vein couipleto SPttffiROCERA Borborns, sp.: Two specimens, Argus Mountains, which seem to belong to a new species. Limosina aldrichi n. sp. Male. — Black, but little shining, nearly bare. Face somewhat whitish. Front, but little shining in the middle. Antennae black, arista long, distinctly pubescent. Thorax shining. Scutellum flattened, bare, with sis bristles, the pair near the apex much larger than the ones toward the base. Abdomen opaque, somewhat prui- nose. Legs black, the tibiae and tarsi more or less dark lutcous; hind metatarsi only a little dilated, and but little shorter than the following joint. "Wings nearly hya- line; the third vein ends beyond the small cross-vein, gradually and nearly uni- formly curved forwards; the tip of the second is nearly midway between the terminations of the first and third veins, the latter ending near the tip of the wing; fourth vein beyond the discal cell faintly indicated. Hind cross-vein rectangular to the fourth vein. Length, 3mm. One specimen, Argus Mountains, April, 1891. Apterina polita sp. nov. Female. — Very small, shining black, without wings and apparently without hal- teres. Scutellum large, flattened, trapezoidal , with four well-developed bristles. Face excavated in profile ; oral margin on either side with a conspicuous bristle. Cheeks moderately broad. Clypeus retracted into the oral cavity. Antenme short, third joint rounded, hairy, with a long, pubescent arista. Eyes bare. Front broad, with a row of orbital, proclinate bristles. Thorax with bristles. Abdomen broadly oval, depressed, with sixvisible segments, the second, third, and fourth of nearly equal length. Legs slender, with bristles, the middle tibia?, at least, with a preapical bristle; first joint of the hind metatarsi short, and dilated. Front opaque, with a shining median stripe or elongated triangle ; face and cheeks whitish dusted. Dorsum of thorax, scutellum and abdomen shiniug, the hair very short and sparse. Tip of femora, base of tibia?, and the tarsi, save the tip, yellowish. Length ljmm. Three specimens, Panamint Valley, April, 1891. Apterina is subordinated to Borborus by Schiner, and he may be right in doing so. The present species is in all respects a wingless Limosina, but that genus has no tan- gible differences from Borborus save such as are found in the neuration. A mere excresence, of a yellowish color, is a-11 there is to be seen of the wings. I therefore locate the species, provisionally, at least, in Mac-quart's genus. Note. — In addition to the Diptera reported upon above by Dr. "Williston, the col- lection contains 7 species easily named which were not sent to h im, nor was it thought worth while to introduce these few names into the tabulated list which precedes. They are added here, however, for the purpose of completing the report. — C. V. R. Tabanus punctifer 0. S 4 ex., Panamint Valley and Death Valley. Pantarbes capito O. S 1 ex., Argus Mountains. Triodites mm O. S 1 ex., Coso Valley. Lordotus diversus Coq 5 ex., Panamint Valley and Death Valley. Ploas fenestrate O. S 3 ex., Death Valley. Platyehirus peltatus Meig 1 ex., Argus Mountains. BibioMrtusLodw 1 ex., Santa Cruz Mountains. 2G0 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. HBMIPTERA, HETEROPTERA OP THE DEATH VALLEY EXPE- DITION. By P. R. Uiiler. COREID.E. Harmostes propinqiins Dist., Biol. Cent. Amer. Hemipt., p. 168, No. 7; pi. xv., Jig. 1!). A damaged specimen, pf somewhat larger .size than usual, was secured on the Argus Mountains in May, 1891. BERYTIN.E. Pronotacantha u. gen. Form of Parajaly&m Distant, but with long, erect, remote spines on all sides of the pronotum, those of the front border directed obliquely forwards, those of the sides pointing outwards, the posterior pair pointing backwards, and the single one on each humerus curved at tip, posterior portion of the pronotum convex, very much elevated behind, cmarginated for the base of the coriuiu. Scutellum small, flat, armed with a long slender spine. Epiplenra with a short tooth beneath the base of the wing-cover. Antenuie and legs with the usual knobs at end of joints. Wing- covers flat, very much wider and longer than the abdomen, nearly spindle-shaped in outline, almost membranous and translucent throughout, the costal areole wide, crossed by a coarse diagonal vein, followed by a longer areole which is also bounded at tip by a diagonal vein which sends off a thinner vein to curve outward and hound a narrow, cunens-like areole running to the tip of the wing-cover, behind this, ex- tending inwardly, are four long areoles which constitute the end of the wing cover. Abdomen a little swollen at base, narrow behind. Middle eox;e placed far back from the anterior pair, but not remote from the posterior cox;e. P. annulata n. sp. Pale fulvous, with the head, front, and back of the pronotum polished black. Head short, subglobose, with the tylus forming a prominent vertical ridge, bounded by swollen cheeks; eyes prominent, brown; rostrum reaching to behind the middle cox;e, dark piceous, paler on the middle and beneath. Antennae long and slender, anuulatcd with black, the basal joint longer than the head and pronotum united, a little thickened at tip, second joint about one-half as long as the basal, the third ;i little longer, the fourth joint black, pale at tip, very short and thick, fusiform but acute at both ends. Pronotum stout, broad and tumid behind, black, polished, with a broad yellow band which narrows below and extends upon the sternum, spines chiefly yellow, those of the base longer. Scutellum narrow, testaceous, armed with a long, erect, yellow spine. Legs slender, testaceous, banded with black, the femora clavate and wax-yellow at tip. Wing-covers testacco-hyaline, almost membranous throughout, the veins delicate and a little deeper colored than the integument, those of the corium thick, brown, especially the costal one, the coriuni unevenly punctate, very short, triangular at tip, with the costal rib carried far beyond its tip; the mem- brane is much longer than the corium and extending well along its inner border, and has a series of four long and wide areoles. The cubital area is long, narrow, ob- lique at tip, and from it is continued a much narrower apical areolar extension, and these areas are all punctate and minutely bristly along the veins. Abdomen polished, somewhat piceous at base and tip, tinged with rufo-ferrugineous on the sides supe- riorly, acutely narrowing towards the tip in the male. Length to end of abdomen, 4 m"'; width of pronotum, f mm« One specimen, a male, was taken on the Argus Mountains in April. This specimen has the greater portion of the veins of hemelytra pale brown. Several other specimens from differ- ent parts of Arizona have been submitted to me for examination. May, 1803] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 2G1 This geims comes near to Metacanihus, but it differs widely therefrom in the vena- tion of the wing covers. It has also close affinities with I'arajalysus Dist., from which it differs also in venation, armature, etc. Acanthophysa n. gen. Apparently related to Hoplimts Stal., hut quite abnormal by reason of the broad fusiform figure, emphasized by the upwardly inflated hemelytra, which appears semicoriaceous throughout, terminate in an acute point behind, and have the veins arranged longitudinally like ridges, and which carry series of remote, long, erect spines. Head acutely produced, conforming to the front of the pronotum, and armed each side with a series of Long, anteriorly directed, almost procumbent, sharp spines. Rostrum reaching the posterior coxae, the basal joint thick and long; an- tenna- long and slender, the basal joint as long as the two following united, clavate at tip, the apical joint short, fusiform, acute at tip. Pronotum subcainpanuliform, flattened above, encircled and set with long, oblique spines pointing outward, the middle with a strong transverse section. Scutellum triangular, acute. Hemelytra with rows of long, remote spines on the veins, and fringed with a series on the costal and cubital border all the way to the tip; the diseoidal vein closely forked, and the central areole narrow and long, acutely narrowed at tip and crossed by about three veinlets before the tip, veins minutely, remotely punctate. Legs long and slender, the femora clavate at tip, and the posterior ones shorter than the abdomen. Venter almost flat, slightly convex. A. echinata n. sp. Grayish white, with the legs and antennae wax yellow, and the hemelytra marked with short, fuscous streaks on the coarse veins and a few irregular spots on the disk, bases of the spines mostly fuscous, and the head and pronotum a little fus- cous iu spaces; the apical joint of antennae blackish. Head long and acute, yel- lowish, with a sharp spine above, and others each side, all projecting forward; ros- trum yellowish; antennae darker on the swollen tip of first joint. Pronotum mod- erately flat, having a dark baud in front, the posterior lobe pale yellow, the basal margin almost truncated, with a short spine in the middle pointing backward, all the margins and the humeral angles armed with long, slanting spines, those of the anterior lobe longest and projecting over the head. Scutellum with the central carina and lateral raised margins ivory yellow. Legs banded with fuscous with the apex of the femora greatly swollen, piceous. Hemelytra with the spines chiefly white and directed obliquely outward and backward, the veins, especially on the disk and next the claws, interrupted with pale brown or fuscous membrane, form- ing an almost acuminate tip. having two approximate veinlets running throughout its length. Venter yellowish, spread with white, marked with interrupted raised longitudinal lines, a little spriukled with fuscous, and the entire surface hispid with short bristly spines, the apex infuscated. Length to tip of venter, 3i"m\; width of pronotum, fmm. ; width of hemelytra across the middle, l|mm. One specimen, a male, was secured at the Argus Mountains in April, and I have examined two other specimens which were collected near Los Angeles, Calif., by Mr. Coquillett. The costal rib is sharply raised, and is protracted to the very tip of the subcoriaceous corium; and the apexes of this corium are widely separated by a tri- angular interval. This most remarkable insect might perhaps be confounded with the prickly seed vessel of some of the sand ticks or beggars' lice which grow in sandy places. Although unquestionably a member of the family BeryUdce, it is the most aberrant genus of this group as yet discovered, and it helps to set forth the principle that there is a wide divergence of composition in the adjustment of the parts of the wing- covers in this remarkable group. 262 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. pfo.7. LYG/EIDJE. Lygwosoma Peib. L. solida n. sp. Narrow and deep, gradually narrowing from the middle of coriivra to the front of pronotum; the surface dull, minutely grayish, pubescent all over, black, with the corium and humeral angles and a spot on the middle of the basal margin of prono- tum dull red. Head broad, convex, appearing longer from the acutely projecting tylus, each side of which the cheeks are sunken toward the antennal lobes; anten- nae stout, coated with minute gray pubescence; rostrum black, piceous, reachiug to behind the middle coxa". Pronotum longer than wide, almost flat, crossed next the middle by an indistinct ridge, humeral angles tubercular. Prosternum in front and margins of the pleural segments dull yellowish. Legs polished, black, hoary pubes- cent. Scutellum minutely pubescent, the carinate cross acute and pale at tip. Co- rium and clavus a little rough, closely pubescent, with the edge next the membrane a little dusky, the costal margin curved, and the membrane dusky black; tergum polished black, venter dull black, rendered a little gray by the hoary pubescence. Length to tip of venter, 4£mm; width of base of pronotum, L}mm. Two specimens, a male and a female, of the brachypterous form were secured in Mariposa County, Calif. , The membrane has an obscure pale lunule on the middle, and a very narrow whit- ish outer border. Lygwus Fab. L. melanopleurus n. sp. Form of bistriangularis Say, but having the pronotum a little shorter, more de- pressed behind the middle, and with the lateral margins a little sinuated. Color mainly -dull black, rendered grayish by the close, whitish pubescence which invests both the upper and lower surface. Head stout, moderately wide, convex above, marked with a red dot next the middle of base, the front narrow, with the cheeks compressed from the antenniferous lobes downward; the rostrum piceous, black, reaching upon the posterior coxa}, aDtenme black, thick, grayish, pubescent; prono- tum a little wider than long, depressed, and with a few coarse, dragged punctures behind the anterior margin; callosities transverse, distinct, the surface behind them depressed, a little rough, and with a few coarse punctures; lateral margins moder- ately oblique, feebly sinuated before the middle, with the humeri a little raised into a longitudinal ridge, the posterior margin nearly straight and slenderly edged with yellow; scutellum a little rough, depressed behind the middle, with the tip carinate and acute. Hemelytra paler and more lead-colored than the thorax, with the costal border broadly yellowish red, the posterior border more slenderly yellow, the sur- face pubescent and remotely minutely puuetate; membrane long, black, broadly bordered with white. Pectus black, hoary, pubs-see it, marked each side of line of legs with a row of pale spots. Legs black, pubescent. Venter reddish, black at tip, and with a broad blackish stripe on the side fallowing the line of the stigmata. Length to end of venter, il to 5mm. ; to tip of membrane, 6mm. ; width of base of pronotum, 2 mm. Two specimens wei'e obtained on the Panamint Mountains in April. It inhabits also Colorado. Lygaeosoma sp. A specimen with robust figure and of the brachypterous form was collected in Mariposa County, Calif., but it is too greasy for description. Pamera Say. P. nitidula n. sp. Dull blackish, with the head and thorax polished, chestnut brown, and the hemo- lytra pale testaceous, with a broad black band across the posterior part of the corium, an irregular spot near its base, and a spot at tip of cuneus, which runs back slenderly May, 1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 263 on the outer margin. Head long, subacute at tip, set with erect bristly hairs, trans- versely wrinkled ; rostrum yellowish, slender, reaching behind the middle coxa' ; an- tennas pale yellow, slender, a little brown at points of articulation, the second joint as long as from the front of the eye to the pronotal stricture, the apical joint scarcely darker than the others, equally as long as the second, first and third much shorter, subequal in length. Pronotum highly polished, a little darker across the base, the anterior lobe globosely convex, much narrower than the basal lobe, having a con- striction and collum in front, the latter being punctate and a little produced behind, bounded by a deeply incised line, the surface spread with some bristly hairs ; posterior lobe depressed, about as wide as the length of the anterior lobe, coarsely remotely punctate, with the humeral angles callous and elevated. Legs pale yellow, the an- terior femora very stout, pale chestnut brown, with the knees and teeth darker, the anterior tibiie strongly bent, pectoral and pleural areas polished roughly and coarsely punctate and clothed with stiff pale hairs. Scutellum piceous, remotely punctate, sparingly pubescent, ridged from the middle to tbe tip, and with the tip pale and acute. Corium pale yellowish testaceous, darker at base, whitish at tip and on the cuneus, remotely punctate with brown in longitudinal lines, the embolium a little dusky and punctate in the crease, membrane dusky excepting the outer border, with pale veins. Venter pale reddish chestnut, dusky at base, the female with a sickle- shaped callosity running backward from the base. Length to tip of venter"6'nm, to end of membrane 6^'""', width of base of pronotum 1 9mm A single specimen ( 9 ) was obtained in the Argus Mountains, Calif., April. I have also examined two others from Texas and New Mexico. Only females have thus far been sent to me for examination. Crophius Stal. C disconotus Say. Heteropt. New Harm., p. 14, No. 6. One specimen was collected on the Argus Mountains in May. This is Lyr/ants dicoHotus Say, the specific name of which is a misprint for disconotus, and would have been more correctly disconotatus. TINGITIDiE. Gargaphia Stal. G. opacula n. sp. Oblong, orate, with the head, breast, abdomen, basal and last joint of antenna? and base of second joint black. Head produced in front, pale beneath, the rostrum ex- tending to the middle coxa^, having the bucculse white and continuous, with the white raised border which bounds the whole length of the mesosternum on its sides. Pronotum tri-cariuate, convex, woolly over most of the surface and sides. The short anteriorly blunt and twice-tufted bulla stands next behind the head, the sur- face yellowish white, with a narrow reflexed border along the curved lateral mar- gin, the scutellum narrow and less depressed than usual; also whitish, pubescent. Legs pale rufo-testaceous, slender. Wing-covers white, with the veins a little tinged with fuscous near the tip, the exterior margin bluntly curved, regularly curved at tip, the areolcs small, unusually regular in size, a double series of them oc- cupying the costal area, but tapering off to a single series at tip, the clavus opaque, coriaceous, coarsely punctate, minutely pubescent in common with the disk of corium. Beneath dull black, minutely pubescent. Length to end of abdomen, 2£ mm. ; to tip of hemelytra, 3mra.; width of prono- tum, 1 mm. Only a single specimen of this peculiar species was secured. It was taken on the Argus Mountains in April. The prominent convexity of the pronotum with its fur- like covering of hair and narrow pronotum will serve to quickly distinguish this species from the others thus far described. 264 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [-No. 7. Monanth'ui Fab. M. labeculata n. sp. Form similar to that of M. naasalh Putoiij but with a shorter pronotum and smaller meshes to the hemelytra, color fuscogriseus. Head short, convex, bronze-black, closely punctate, convex, the tylus vertical, buccula? large, lamelliform, whitish, coarsely pitted iu common with the gnla; antenna' rufous, the basal and apical joints and the base of the secon d joint black ; rostrnm piceous, reaching to between the middle coxa'. Pronotum a little darker than the hemelytra, convex; prominently lobate each side, the lobes long-oval, occupying the whole length, and divaricating posteriorly, the sunken longitudinal between them occupied by a piceous carina which is continued back to the tip of the scutellum, the surface covered with coarse sunken punctures, with short, yellowish hairs in the spaces, colluni whitish, prominent iu the middle, granulated and blackish piceous behind; humeri strongly convex, blackish and granulated at the faintly carinated lateral margin; heneath black, the propleurse piceous, coarsely punctate, but the tumid pieces of the meso — and metasternum smooth. Scutellum grayish testaceous, with the baso-lateral divaricating carime short, piceous, granulate, confined to the outer angles, the me- dial carina pale testaceous except at base, the surface granulate in lines, a little punctate and minutely, remotely pubescent. Corium pale-grayish testaceous, a little tinged with bronze, remotely punctate and pubescent, studded with piceous granules, and with the discoidal vein especially prominent; blackish, bullate and uneven, the cells of the membrane usually with dusky veins, and the cross veinlets of the costal border, including those of the membrane, black, the coarse vein bor- dering the corium often piceous black. Venter dull black, obsoletely rostrate. Length to tip of wing-covers, 3 """ ; width of pronotum, 1 """. Nine specimens were taken from Finns monophylla, on the Argus mountains in May,.1891. The species bears some resemblance to others of this genus common in Brazil and Central America. Leptoypha Stal. L. mutica Say. Tingis mutica Leconte Ed. Say's Writings, vol. i, p. 349. A dozen or more specimens of this common insect were collected on the Argus mountains in April and May. I find no difference to separate these specimens from those of Texas and other parts of the United States. Hoplomaehns Fieb. H. consols n. sp. Robust, tapering anteriorly, cinereous tinged with olive, clothed with long pile on the head and fore part of pronotum, and with shorter pubescence on the remain- der of the body. Head long, conical, acute as seen from above, indented each side near the eyes, with a pale yellow or orange line on the carinate middle, running back over the pronotum and continuing to the tip of the scutellum, tylus almost vertical, bounded by deeply cut sutures, covered with pale gray pile, the middle cheeks small, prominent, black, sharply defined; rostrum pale piceous, darker and acute at tip, reaching behind the posterior coxa', the basal joint stout, inflated at tip, longer than the throat; eyes brown, witli a bullate black space beneath them, and with one or two black raised dots near the base of tylus; antenna' rather slen- der, reaching behind the tip of the scutellum, the basal joint and lobe piceous black, the second joint as long as from the front of eye to the base of pronotum, pah; olive, darker on the ends, the two following darker, short, more slender, pron- otum trapeziform, convex behind a, little scabrous over most of the surface, the lateral margins oblique, sharp edged, a line of obsolete dark spots occurs across the base, in front of this each side is an oblique mark, and farther forward is a larger transverse spot each side; scutellum darker each side of basal portion; pectus dark in the depressions, the plural pieces coarsely punctate, the prosternum, in- May,1893.] INSECTS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 2G5 eluding the xyphus, pale, but blackish at base; legs dusky testaceous, with the nails, tips of tarsi and spines piceous; hcmelytra wide, almost translucent, closely hoary pubescent, the costal margin broadly curved, the disk and claws dusky olive, membrane pale dusky olive, venter dark olive with a fuscous tinge, finely pale pubes- cent, with the genital pieces paler. Length to end of abdomen, 4"""; to tip of membrane, 4i"im; width of base of pronotuni, li,m". ( iue specimen was taken on the Argus Mountains in May. The species occurs in thevicinity of Los Angeles and in other parts of southern California. Some five or six other new species of genera related to Li/gits, Macrotylus, and Psallus, belong to this collection, but they are not in condition for description. AXTIIOCOUID.E. Anihocori8 Fall. A. musculus Say. Heteropt. New Harmony, p. 32; No. G. One specimen was secured on the Argus Mountains in April. SAI.THD.K. Salda Fab. 1. S. interstitialis Say. Journ. Philada. Acad., vol, iv; p. 324; No. 1. Two specimens were secured in the Panamint and Argus mountains in April. They belong to two varieties with the white spots not widely distributed. 2. S. explanata, new sp. In form similar to S. brachynota Fieb,, of Europe. Deep black, dull, covered with minute golden pubescence. The head but little wider than the front of the prono- tuni. and the eyes moderately promiuent, the clypeus margined each side and the tylns entirely testaceous: antennae stout, black, white on the outside of the basal joint. Pronotuni short, transversely wrinkled behind, the base deeply sinuated, the lateral margins oblique and a little curved, the submargin broadly, deeply depressed, remotely punctate, with the edge a little recurved, the humeral angles with the but- ton-like callosity near the border; callosities transversely prominent, with a sunken dot in the middle between them; pleural depression coarsely and remotely punctate. Tip of femora, the tibiae excepting the base and tip, and the tarsi excepting the tip, pale testaceous. Hemelytra obsoletely and minutely punctate, remotely pubescent, marked with whitish oblong decks, an obsolete pair being placed near the tip of the clavus, a few minute ones from near the base to behind the middle, an angular spot next the middle of the posterior margin and a more distinct white dot exterior to this; the membrane has four long, narrow, pale areoles marked with the ordinary smoky oblong spots, ami the posterior border is also smoke-brown with a white dot at the inner angle. Venter dull black, minutely pubescent, with the sixth segment of the female broadly and unevenly bordered behind with white. Length to tip of membrane, 4} to 5mm; width of base of pronotuni, If to 3mm. This species occurs in various legions west of the Rocky Mountains. I have examined specimens taken in Nevada, Olympia, in Washington State, various parts of Utah, and California. A pair of specimens in the present collection were secured in the Panamint and Argus mountains in the mouth of April. 2GG NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [So.T. DESCRIPTIONS OP NEW SPECIES OF ORTIIOPTERA PROM THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. By Lawrence Bruner. Ameles sp. Possibly new, but the specimen is in too bad a condition to be described, it having been broken while en route in the mail, besides being immature. This same insect has been examined by me on several former occasions. It appears to be quite widely distributed in the arid and semiarid regions of the Southwest, as I have it from various points in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. I have also seen specimens from southern Idaho and middle Nevada. Heterogamia sp. Like the preceding, this insect is also probably undescribed. It is a female spec- imen, and can not well bo characterized now. This form seems to be not at all rare in some portions of Arizona and southwestern United States, and also occurs in por- tions of old Mexico. Tridactylus sp. The collection contains a specimen of an apparently undescribed species of this genus, but until I have had a little more time to study these peculiar little crickets, I would prefer not to name it. Other specimens of the genus have been taken along the Colorado River during the past summer, and have just lately come to my notice. Nemobius sp. This insect may also be new. I have seen specimens very similar to this from the vicinity of Los Angeles, Calif., and if represented in the collection, I can not at present find it. I will not try to describe the species from the single male before me. Encoptolophus pallidus n. sp. ■ General color dull yellowish brown, varied with faint dusky markings common to the representatives of the genus. Head moderately large, a little wider than front edge of pronotum. Vertex about as wide as the eyes, depressed in front where the lateral canine meet in less than a right angle, these carina? bowed and approaching slightly behind, but fading away into the sides of the occiput along the hind margin of the eyes; the sulcus quite deep and provided with a well-defined central carina posteriorly; frontal costa quite prominent above, of nearly equal width throughout, but slightly sulcate at the ocellus and below ( 9 ), or more deeply grooved throughout (,?); antenna- not quite as long ( 9 ) as head and pronotum combined, or slightly surpassing the latter ( $), a little enlarged and slightly flattened toward their tips in the male; pronotum small, with the sides nearly parallel when seen from above, the lateral carina? well defined, but interrupted a little in advance of the middle carina, not prominent, equal throughout, cut a little in advance of the middle by last transverse sulcus, the hind border a little obtuse-angled. Tegmiua and wings of about equal length, surpassing the tip of the abdomen in both sexes. Posterior femora not much inflated basally, but passing the tip of abdomen slightly in both sexes. Color. — Male and female dull dry-grass color, marked faintly back of the eyes, along sides of pronotum, on front edge of tegmina and on posterior femora with the characteristic fuscous blotches and bands. Posterior wings hyaline, with the tips apparently but little darker than the disk and base. Hind tibiae pale glaucous with basal third pale. Length of body, cirtettica occidentalis n. sp. The collection also contains a single female specimen of locust which has the general appearance at lirjt glauce of a Trachyrrhachys, but upon closer examination proves to be more nearly related to Scirtettica marmorata Uhl. of the New England coast. Head, "with the occiput rugulose, rather small and deeply set into the front edge of the pronotum, which latter is also quite rough; vertex between the eyes a little narrower than their shortest diameter, deeply grooved and provided with a deep tri- angular pit in front, the lateral walls prominent and farthest apart at front edge of eyes, approaching posteriorly but not quire meeting; frontal costa deeply sulfate with the walls prominent, diverging below. Antennae not quite reaching the pos- terior edge of the pronotum, filiform, but gently compressed. Pronotum short, about as broad as long, strongly compressed near the front above, the median carina prom- inent but not arched, once severed a little in advance of the middle by t lie last transverse impressed line; lateral carina} obliterated in front, but prominent behind; posterior angle a right angle. Tegmina and wings exteuding slightly beyond the tips of the abdomen, the former rather narrow. Hind femora with the base a little iollated; hind tibia} with the apical spines strong and longer than usual. Entire insect more or less thickly clothed with short whitish hairs. General color, grayish brown mottled and specked with plain brown and dull black. Middle of sides of pronotum with a short oblique whitish blotch. Tegmina with a median and post-basal brown spot on costal edge, apical third and posterior half irregularly flecked with quadrate flecks of varying sizes. Wings with disk- like waxy yellow, crossed just beyond the middle by a dull, rather narrow fuscous band that sends a dark ray nearly to the base along the costal edge, apex hyaline with two or three small fuscous spots along the principal veins. Posterior femora crossed above by three blackish bands, the middle one showing on the outer face as a very oblique band, anteriorly with the basal half black, beyond this with a yellow and then a black band, the knees dusky; hind tibias yellowish, infuscated apically and provided with an obscure dusky annulus near the basal third. Length of body, $, 20""". ; of antenna?, 6mm.; of pronotum, 4mm. ; of tegmina, 19n,m. ; of hind femora, 12.25""". Habitat. — A single specimen from Argus Mountains, Calif., May, 1891. This insect does not properly fall in this genus, but appears to approach the mem- bers belonging here more closely than it does any of the other forms known to me, and for that reason is placed here, for the present at least. Dracotettix plutonius n. sp. A smaller species than the D. monstrosus, with a much lower median pronotal car- ina and the vertex shorter and more depressed. Vertex between the eyes about as wide ( $ ), or a little wider than the shortest diameter of the eyes, shallowly sulcate throughout and divided into longitudinal halves by a rather prominent median carina, most marked behind, the lateral edges raised so as to form low walls; frontal costa of nearly equal width throughout, quite prominent to just below the ocellus ; below this point the face is perpendicular ; antennas short, heavy, slightly broadened and flattened near the base, bluntly pointed. Pronotum in front a little wider than the head, the dorsum somewhat flat- tcned, with the lateral carina} evenly divergent posteriorly, nearly as prominent as the median, which has its lobes rounded, anterior margin obtuse-angled, the pos- terior acute-angled. Tegmina and wings abbreviated, acute, the inner margins not quite touching in the female, and but very slightly overlapping in the male, reach- ing past the back edge of the third abdominal segment in the former and nearly to the base of the supra-anal plate in the latter. Prosternal spine quite large, rounded behind, straight or slightly concave in front and very blnntly pointed. The general color of this insect is dull grayish brown, the lighter color inclining to '2G8 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. testaceous in the female and whitish in the male. Face, pronotum and tegmina, with the hind femora streaked with white ( $ ) or dirty yellowish white ( 9 ). Hind femora crossed above with three fuscous and three lighter bands, the inner face for the most part black. Hind tibia? and tarsi reddish on inner edges, gray outside. Antennae infuscated on apical half. Length of body, $ , 19"""., 9, 39mm.; of antenna, S , 6.5""".; 9 8mm.; of vertex, J,1.3mm., 9, 2.1""".; of pronotum, g.8m"\, 9 , 12.30""". ; of tegmina, $ , 8.5"""., 9, 13'"'".; of hind femora, $, 10.75"""., 9,15.2""". Habitat. — Panamint Valley, April, and Argus Mountains, May, 1891. Other representatives of the genus Draeotettix have been taken in Arizona, at Los Angeles, in Napa County, and at Gilroy, Calif. Among the material thus gathered at least three well-defined species are represented. REPORT ON THE LAND AND FRESH-WATER SHELLS COLLECTED IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA BY THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION, INCLUDING A FEW ADDITIONAL SPECIES OBTAINED BY DR. CHART MERR1AM AND ASSISTANTS IN PARTS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED bTATES. By Riibt. E. C. Stearns, Ph. D.? Adjunct Curator of the Department of Hollusks, U. S. National Museum. The present report treats of tlie land and fresh water shells collected in 1891 by the several subdivisions of the Death Valley Expedition, in southern California and Nevada, between latitude 84° and latitude 38° N. The routes followed by several of these parties led them into regions previously unexplored by naturalists, and specimens were se- cured from numerous thermal and mineral springs in the arid deserts of the southern part of the Great Basin, within the Colorado drainage area. The most interesting forms obtained were the two species here- tofore referred to Tryonia, until recently regarded as obsolescent or absolutely extinct, but which were found to be living, as elsewhere re- marked. Helix magdalenensis, another interesting species described from examples collected in the Mexican State of Sonora in 1889-'()0 by Mr. Bailey, of Dr. Merriam's Division of Biological Exploration, was detected by Fisher and Nelson several degrees of latitude farther to the north than the habitat of Bailey's original examples and at a very much higher altitude. This latter, by its presence at this north- erly station, contributes to our previous knowledge and data bearing upon the relations between the geographical distribution of species and environmental conditions or influences 5 and two fresh wTater forms, not before known, were added to the molluscan fauna of the region traversed by the expedition. In addition to the desert material, small collections were made in the High Sierra and other x>arts of California, and a few species are in- cluded from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, collected by Dr. C. Hart Merriam and assistants, while engaged in biological surveys of these regions under the Department of Agriculture. This latter material is important, as illustrating the geographical distribution of the species concerned. 2G9 70 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. LIST OK SHELLS. Glandina decussata. sin (/ley ana. texasiana. Streptoslyla sololensis. Lim ax campestris. Fatula striatella. Helix (Arionta) magdalcnensis. colorado'e'nsia. mormonum. tudiculata. cypreophila. arrosa. {Praticola) griseola. berlandieriana. (Mesodon ) thyroides. (Polygyra ) texasiana, bicrwris. Pupa ( Vertigo) pentodon. Iiiilimulus dealbatus. alternatus. serperastrus. Succinea luteola. orcgouvnsis. Limnwa caperata. Limnaa n uttalliana, hmnilis. bulimoides. Planorbis lenius. liebmauni. parvus trivolvis. Physa gyrina. hcterostropha. Carinifex newberryi. Amnicola micrococcus, sp. nov. porata. Tryonia clathrata. Fluminicola fust a. merriami. fusca minor. nuttalliana. Hclivina chri;sookeila. tropica. Anodonta nuttalliana. Unio anodontoides. berlandieri. Pisidi urn ocvidvn laic. Class GASTROPODA. Order PULMONATA. Suborder GEOPHILA. Glandina decussata Pfr. Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Mas. No. 123571), William Lloyd, March, 1891. These examples, three in number, are not decussated, but are sculp- tured only by the longitudinal incremental liues; they have the usual glossy or semi polished surface characteristic of the group. These speci- mens are rather between the variety singleyana and the typical decus- sata, and indicate what is exhibited in other related forms, conspicu- ously in the shells of 0. truncata of Florida, a considerable range of variation. Glandina singleyana W. G. B. ? = &. decussata Pfr., variety. Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Mus. No. 123572); also Monterey, Mexico (Mus. No. 123906)., Feb., 1891, William Lloyd. Two examples very close to G. texasiana, the principal difference being the curve and form of the termination of the columella. This seems to be the form that Mr. Binney refers to as collected by Prof. Wetherby in Bexar County, Tex., which he figures and calls decussata, var. singleyana in Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., Vol. xxn, No. 4, PI. 1, Fig. 1, pp. 103-203. Mat.1893.] mollusks of the death valley expedition. 2*1 Glandina texasiana Pfr. Brownsville, Tex. (Mas. No. 123573), William Lloyd. Two specimens. An ample seriesof the above, and the west Mexican G. albersi of the same author, might result in the reduction of the first to a synonymous position. Streptostyla sololensis C. & F. Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Mus. No. 123574), William Lloyd, March 30, 1891. "In the Sierra." Though both examples are dead, and one broken, they are sufficient to validate the above determination. The species was described by Crosse and Fisher from Sulolo (Guatemala) specimens. Limax campestris BiniJey; South Fork of Kern River, California (Mus. No. 123575), Vernon Bailey, July 8, 1891. At an elevation of 2,700 feet; a single example. This may be Inger- soll's L. montanus or a variety thereof, which he obtained in Colorado. In gersoll's montanus and montanus var. castaneus, Binney's ingersoUi and Heynemann's wienlandi may be. regarded, or at least strongly suspected, of close relationship to Binney's campestris, which latter may perhaps include Cooper's L. var. occidental is. Patula striatella Auth. Kern River region, California (Mus. No. 123577), Vernon Bailey. Numerous living examples at an altitude of 2,700 feet. Helix (Arionta) magdalenensis Stearns. Johnson Canon, Panamint Mountains, California (Mus. No. 123578), April 11. 1891, Dr. A. K. Fisher; also additional specimens in the same region (Mus. No. 123579), April 18, 1891, Dr. Fisher and E. W. Nelson. The foregoing species was described by me in the Proc. IT. S. National Museum, Vol. xni, pp. 207-208, from a few examples collected at or near the town of Magdalena, State of Sonora, Mexico, November G, 18S9, by Mr. Vernon Bailey. He detected it on a hill or mountain at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above the town. The latitude of Mag- dalena is about 31° N. The investigations of the Death Valley Expedi- tion have carried it far to the north of the above, to the Panamint region of California, where both Dr. Fisher and Mr. Nelson obtained numerous living individuals. This discovery extends the area of the distribution of H. magdalenensis northerly between six and seven degrees of latitude. The place where these specimens were found in Johnson Canon has an elevation of about (5,000 feet above the sea; the first lot (No. 123578) were mostly bleached shells. The Fisher-Nelson series (No. 123579) subsequently collected, is from a still higher elevation, viz. 8,000 feet; here twenty-five living examples were obtained, most of them mature. The Mexican locality may ultimately prove to be about the southerly limit of its distribution. Helix (Arionta) coloradoensis Stearns. Resting Springs, California (Mus. No. 123907), Vernon Bailey, February 12. 1891. A single example, either alive when collected or quite fresh, was detected by Mr. Bailey, who found it among rocks on a dry hill 900 272 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. feet above the springs. It is nearly white, with the single band quite pale. This gives another loeality to the above species, first found in the Graud Cation of the Colorado, opposite the Kaibab plateau at an elevation of 3,500 feet, by Dr. C. Hart Merriam in 1890. The Besting Springs locality is in the southeastern part of Inyo County. Helix (Arionta) mormonum Pfr. Mineral King, Tulare County, Calif. (Mus. No. 123580), September 10, 1891, Vernon Bailey. The single fresh specimen, hardly mature, was found among rocks about 1,000 feet below the timber line, above the Empire mine. Helix (Arionta) tudiculata W. G. B. Three Rivers, Tulare County, Calif. (Mus. No. 123581), T. S. Palmer, July 27, 1891. Three specimens, one a fine living example, found at a point 850 feet above the sea. These illustrate the trifling value that should be given to the umbilical character in many of the laud shells. The specimens from which the author wrote his description were imperforate, while the best example of Palmer's has an entirely open umbilicus, the same as many other individuals that I have observed before. A large series will be seen to run from one extreme to the other, the variability of this feature being the constant factor, paradoxical as it may appear. Helix (Arionta) cypreophila Newc. ?=H. tudiculata W. G. B., variety. Three Rivers, Tulare County, Calif. (Mus. No. 123582), July 27, 1891. T. S. Palmer. Two examples, probably whole and fresh if not living at the time they were collected, were detected by Mr. Palmer in the above region, at an elevation of 850 feet. Dr. New comb's specimens were found at or near Copperopolis, in Calaveras County, Calif. Binney regards it as a variety of tudiculata; it may be so. It is, however, so rare that I have never seen specimens enough to enable me to come to a .con- clusion. Mr. Palmer's examples, though imperfect, conspicuously exhibit the characters that separate it from tudiculata. Perhaps a large scries of specimens might satisfactorily connect the two. The dentition and genitalia have been investigated and were found by Mr. Binney to be the same as in tudiculata. Judging by the Palmer shell it is, to say the least, a decidedly well-marked variety. Helix (Arionta) arrosa Gould. Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, Calif. (Mus. No. 123583), Vernon Bailey, October, 1891. A single example, which may be regarded cither as a dwarfed arrosa or an elevated form of exarata; the latter is probably a geographical aspect of arrosa; Hemphill catalogues exarata as a variety of arrosa. Helix (Praticola) griseola Pfr. Hidalgo, Tamaulipas (Mus. No. 123584), and Monterey, Mexico (Mus. No. 123908), February, 1891; also Brownsville, Tex. (Mus. No. 123585), William Lloyd, July, 1891. The three Texas shells are tine, broadly banded examples and . 948. tTbe Nautilus, vol. V, April 1892, p. 113. 2S2 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No.7. below the sutures, the upper-lateral portion rather flattened, periphery and base convex. Surface smooth, horn-colored. Aperture oblique, ovate, angled above, broadly rounded below; upper portion of the inner lip adherent to the body- whorl, lower portion arcuate, without a callous thickening. "Alt. 3, diara. 2£mm. " Collected from a warm spring (temperature 97° F.) in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, by Dr. 0. Hart Merriam, and submitted to the writer by Dr. R. E. C. Stearns. "This species differs from F.fusca Ilald., in the much more distinct umbilicus, thin texture, and the non-thickened inner lip. " Specimens may be seen in the National Museum (No. 123626) collected at Warm Springs, Pahrana- gat Valley, Nevada, by Dr. 0. Hart Merriam, May 25, 1891." This form, not previously described, is regarded by Mr. Pilsbry, who is an authority on the shells of this and allied groups, as a new species. It was found associated with Tryonia clathrata, else- where noted, the temperature of the water being Fig. 2. Muminicolamer- riami. ^ • ■*- * Pluminicola fusca Hald. var. minor. Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nevada (Mus. No. 123624), F. (Stephens, Mr/rch 4, 1891. Numerous (200) living specimens of nearly uniform size in spring. Fluminicola nuttalliana* Lea. Shoshone Falls, Idaho (Mus. No. 58596). A large number of specimens, probably as many as two hundred and fifty, were collected at this locality by Dr. Merriam (October 10, 1890), who found them clinging to the rocks in the stream. They vary consider- ably in elevation of the spire, etc., but the form of the mouth is quite persistent. A dwarfed but characteristic aspect of this species occurs among the surface shells in the Colorado Desert. Suborder SC VTIBRANCHIATA. Section liniroDOGLOSSA. Helicina chrysocheila Binney. Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Mus. No. 123627); also Texas near the mouth of the Rio Grande (Mus. No. 123167), William Lloyd. Four characteristic illustrations of this well marked and handsome species described in Binney's Terr. Air-breathing Moll., U. S., Vol. II, p. 354, 1851. In addition to the above number, two were obtained at the Texan locality. ''Inadvertently omitted in my previous list, but included in list published in N. Am. Fauna, No. 5, 1891, p. 27. Mat,1R03.] mollusks of the death valley expedition. 283 Helicina tropica Jan. Brownsville, Tex. (Mua. No. 123628), William Lloyd. A single example. Class PELECYPODA. Order TETRABEANCHIATA. Sal »order S UBMYTILA CEA . Anodonta nuttalliana Left. Keeler, Calif. (Mus. No. 123G29), T. S. Palmer. One semifossil example. Unio anodontoides Lea. Brownsville, Tex. (Mus. No. 123630); Mier, Tamaulipns. Mexico, May 4, 1891 (Mus. No. 123632),' William Lloyd. The Brownsville examples are less elongated than usual in this species. The Mexican specimens are full grown and of the usual proportions. These localities are believed to be much farther south than heretofore reported. Unio berlandieri Lea. Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico (Mus. No. 123631), William Lloyd, May 4, 1891. The examples of this species are nearly full grown adults and of the characteristic aspect. Suborder CONCHACEA. Pisidium occidentale Newc. Oasis Valley, Nevada (Mus. No. 123633), Dr. C. Hart Merriam, June 2, 1891. Several examples. The above place is on the western edge of the Ealston Desert, in Nye County, Nevada. NOTES ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF TREES AND SHRUBS IN THE DES- ERTS AND DESERT RANGES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, NORTHWESTERN ARIZONA, AND SOUTHWESTERN UTAH. By C. Hart Mekriam, M. D. The present chapter is made up of a multitude of disconnected notes, jotted down on horseback while traversing the deserts and desert ranges of the southern part of the Great Basin. These notes relate to the vertical and geographical distribution of the trees and shrubs ob- served by me in April, May, and June, 1891, along the route traveled from the north end of Cajon Pass, in the San Bernardino Mountains, California, to the St. George Valley, at the foot of the Hurricane Cliffs, in southwestern Utah, and thence westerly across Nevada to Owens Valley, California, and southward and south westward to the extreme end of the western tongue of the Mohave Desert (Antelope Valley), including the several passes (Walker, Tehachapi, and the Canada de las Uvas) by means of which communication is established between the Mohave Desert on the southeast, and the Bakersfield Plain, or upper San Joaquin Valley, on the northwest. A detailed itinerary of this trip may be found in Part I of the report. In a few instances, notes made by other members of the expedition are added and duly accred- ited; a small number of non-woody plants are admitted to render the list more useful, and in addition to the desert species a few from the Sierra Nevada, mainly conifers, are included. Most of the desert shrubs are social plants and are distributed in well-marked belts or zones, the vertical limits of which are fixed by the temperature during the period of growth and reproduction. Since the temperature at this season in places of the same latitude depends mainly on altitude, base level, and slope exposure, it follows that the boundaries of the several belts conform largely to the contours of alti- tude, with such flexures as variations in base level and slope exposure impose. The principal plant zones conform also to the animal zones, as defined by the limits of distribution of terrestrial mammals, birds, and reptiles. But since these Life Zones are discussed in the first part of the report 285 28G NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No.7. they will not be considered here. It should be mentioned, however, that each of the life zones is subdivisible both latitudinally and longitu- dinally, and that while the former divisions are clearly dependent on temperature, the causes controlling the latter are not always well under- stood. Such local factors as soil and slope are not here referred to. The most marked longitudinal divisions, so far as the Great Basin is con- cerned, are those of the Lower Sonorau Zone, which maybe designated the Larrea belt and the Grayia belt. The creosote bush (Larrea triden- tata)is the most conspicuous, most widely distributed, and best-known bush of ttie torrid deserts of the southwest, where it covers the gravel soils up to a certain line, which probably marks the southern limit of killing frost. The Larrea belt is the most important of all from the horticultural standpoint, because it is suited to the requirements of the citrus fruits, the olive, almond, fig, and raisin grape. Associated with the Larrea, and coinciding with it in distribution, is the inconspicuous Franseria dumosa. Auother species occupying the same gravel soils, but less generally distributed, is the beautiful and fragrant Erameria parvifolia. The alkali soils of the same belt are covered with grease- woods of the genus Atriplex, of which A. polycarpa is the most charac- teristic. The Grayia belt, named from its most distinctive and wide- spread bush (Grayia spinosa), occupies the strip between the upper limit of Larrea and the lower border of the true sage brush (Artemisia tridentata), which latter indicates the beginning of the Upper Sonoran Zone. Other shrubs of the Grayia belt are the dark Goleogyne ramosis- sima, which resembles Krameria parvifolia in general appearance, but belongs to a different order and has yellow flowers; the handsome Tetrad lymia spinosa and T. glabrata; the fetid Thamnosma montana; the stunted Menodor a spinosa, whose conspicuous green berries always grow in pairs; and the singular Salasaria mexicana, whose inflated cap- sules are borne away by the wind and lodge in great numbers upon the spiny cactuses. Certain shrubs range over the whole breadth of the Lower Sonoran Zone, occurring alike in the Larrea and Grayia belts. The most noticeable members of this category are the olive- colored Ephedra nevadensis, which has no apparent foliage and is used as a medicine by the Indians and miners; the handsome Baleas, with their blue and purple flowers, and Lyeium andersoni, which bears a small edible fruit. The true sage brush (Artemisia tridentata) begins with a solid front along the southern border of the Upper Sonoran Zone and spreads northward over the Great Basin like a monstrous sheet, covering almost without a break hundreds of thousands of square miles. It is not only the most striking and widely diffused plant of the Upper Sono- ran and Transition zones, but as a social plant has few equals, often occupying immense areas to the exclusion of all but the humblest and least conspicuous forms. Wherever one travels in this vast region, the aromatic odor of the sage brush is always present, and some- May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 287 times, particularly after rains, is so powerful as to eause pain in the nostrils. In addition to the sage, many of the desert ranges support a growth of shrubs and small trees rarely if ever found on the intervening deserts and plains, whatever the altitude. This seems to be due in part to increased moisture and in part to the physical character of Hie slopes. The so-called cedar (Junvperus californica utahensis) and the pifion or nut pine (Pinus monophylla) clothe the summits and higher slopes of many of the ranges, forming stunted open forests of much beauty. Mixed with these are scattered clumps of bushes represent- ing a number of genera, most of which bear green foliage and hand- some flowers. Conspicuous among them are Berber is fremonti, Ceano- thus fremontij Ithus trilobata, Robinia neomexicana, Cercis occidental is, Prunu.s fasciculata, Kunzia tridentata [until recently known as Pur- shia], Gowania mexicana, Fallugia paradoxa, Amelanchier alnifulia, Pera/phyllum ramosissimwm, Garrya veatchii flavescens, and Sym/phori- carpos longifolius. Scrub oaks of two species (Quercus gambelii and Q. undulata) arc common in places; the green Ephedra viridis is almost universally present, and the mescal (Agave utahensis) occurs on a few of the slopes. Some of the desert ranges, as the Funeral Mountains, are too exces- sively hot and arid to support even these forms of vegetation; others, as the Charleston Mountains, push their lofty summits into so cold an atmosphere that they obtain a covering of the boreal pines and firs. These higher mountains, when rising from the Lower Sonoran deserts, present in succession all the extra tropical zones of North America, which, from their close juxtaposition, may be here studied to unusual advantage. In ascending or descending such slopes the change from one zone to another is quickly recognized and the altitude of first appearance of the various new species encountered may be recorded with considera- ble confidence. Not so, however, with the species lost, for, except in the case of trees and such strikingly conspicuous forms as the yuccas, some of the cactuses, the creosote bush (Larrea), and a few others, it is ex- ceedingly difficult to detect the disappearance of species when passing out of their ranges. A close parallel occurs in the study of bird migra- tion. Every observer reports the first appearance of the newcomers in spring, while but few have any record of disappearance in autumn. In order to make sure of the upper and lower limits of species on a mountain side the same line should be traversed both up and down the slope, which it was impassible to do in the limited time at our disposal. In cases where this is done the resulting altitudes relate to a particular slope only and too often to a canon or wash on that slope, so that they can not always be accepted as fair averages for the base level and slope exposure to which they properly pertain. Most of the altitudes were determined by aneroid barometer and are 288 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. only approximate, because of the scarcity of base stations of known elevation. All altitudes are recorded in meters, and equivalents in English feet are given in parentheses. These equivalents are stated in round numbers to avoid the appearance of a degree of precision unwarranted by the altitudes themselves. While in some instances the absolute altitudes are doubtless considerably in error, their rela- tive values are not impaired, for they still serve to show the vertical extent of the belts occupied by the various species and the elevation in respect to fixed points. For aid in the determination of species I am indebted to my assist- ant, Mr. Vernon Bailey, who was with me in the field, and to Mr. F. V. Coville, botanist of the expedition, who unfortunately was with me only ten days at the end of the trip. Mr. Coville is responsible for the nomenclature and sequence of geuera here adopted. LIST OF TItEES AND SIIUUBS. Rerberis frcmonti. Arclomecon californicnm. merriami. Stanleya pinnata. Isomcris arborea. arborca ylobosa. Krameria parvifolia. canescens. Malvastrvm rotundifolinm. Sphasralcea monroana. Fremontodendron californicnm. Larrea tridentata. Thamnosma m on I ana. Mortonia scabrella. Glossapctalon nevadense, spincscens. Rhamnns crocea. Ccanoilins fendleri. dirarieatns. cu n eat its. JEsculus calif ornica. Acer negnndo. Rhus trilobata. diversiloba. Dalea polyadenia. frcmonti. johnsoni. Robinia neomexicana. Cassia armata. Ccrcis occidcnlali8. Prosopis juliflora. pubescens. dcacia greggii. I'nmiis faseicnlata. virginiana (or demissa). andersoni. Basil ima millefolium. Holodiseus discolor. Adenostoma fascicnlatum. Eunzia glandulosa. tridentata. Co leogync ra in 08 issi in a. Cercocarp n s ledifo litis. parvifolitts. Cowania mcxicana. Fallugia paradoxa. Rosa sp. — ? Ilctcromeles arbntifolia. Amelanchier alnifolia. Peraphylltl in ra in osiasim n m . Ribes lepfanthum brachyantlinm. menzicsii. Petalonyx parryi. Eucnide nrens. G a rrya veatch i i fla vescen s, Symplioricarpos lonyijloriis. A mphiachyris frenunitii. Aeamplopappns splurroccpltultis. Aplopapjins monavlis. Bigelovia douglassi. grareolcns. icreti folia. Baccliaris glntinosa. rinehea scricni. Hymenoclea salsola. Franseria diimosa. eriocentra. Encelia frutescens. Artemisia tridentata. spinescens, arbitscnla* fUifolia. May,iso3.] shkubs of the death valley expedition. 289 LIST OF TKKES A>'D SHRUBS — COutilllied. reuceapnyllum schottii. Tetradymia canescens. glabrata. spinosa. aomosa (or slenolcpis). Arctostapliylos glauca. pun gens. Mcuodora spinescens. Fraxinus coriacea. anomala. Eriodictyon tomentosum. Lyeium andersoni. cooperi. pallidum, torreyi. Ch ilopsis linearis. Salvia carnosa. pilosa. Salazaria mexicana. Alriplex canescens. eonfertifolia. hymenelytra. lentiformis. parryi. p>olyearpa. torreyi. Grayia spinosa. Eurotia lanata. Allenrolfea occidentalis. Sua da suffrutescens. Sarcobatus baileyi. vermiculafus. Eriogonum polifolium. in ft a turn. Chorizanthe rigida. Plalanus occidentalis. Betula occidentalis. Ahius rhombi folia. Querctts undulata. gambclii. lobata. douglasii. loislizeni. kelloggii, dumosa. Castanopsis ehrynopltylla. Salix longifolia. laevigata. ■nigra. Top u I u s frem oniii. Ephedra nevadensis. viridis. Pinus monophylla. 2>onderosa. ponderosa scopu lorum. jeffreyi. murrayana. balfouriana. anstata. sabiniana. monticola. lambertiana. flexilis. Abies magnifica. concolor. rsendotsuga macrocarpa. Sequoia gigantea. Libocedrus decurrens. Ju u iperus californica. calif ornica utahcnsis. occidentalis. occidentals monosperma. Tumion calif om icum. Berberis fremonti. This large shrub, bearing handsome yellow flowers, is common on the less arid of the desert ranges, where it was observed in the follow- ing localities : NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Found on west slope, near Mountain Spring, at an altitude of 1,680 to 1,770 meters (5,500-5,800 feet). Pahranagat Mountains. — Common, and ranges down on the east slope to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet). Hungry Hill Summit. — Common, beginning just north of the summit and passing down the south side toward the North Arm of Indian Spriug Valley to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). 12731—^0. 7 19 290 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. UTAH. Beaver dam Mountains. — Abundant, ranging down to 1,350 meters (4,400 feet) on the west slope, and to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) on the east slope. In full bloom May 11 ; flowers deep rich yellow. Upper Santa Clara Valley. — Begins about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of St. George, at an altitude of about 1,280 meters (4,200 feet), and ranges thence northerly, scattering over the rocky hillsides. Arctomecon californicuni. One of the most interesting incidents in the botanical line connected with the present expedition is the rediscovery of this elegant poppy, the type of which was collected by Fremont in Vegas Desert, southern Nevada, May 3, 1844.* On the very same spot, and within forty-eight hours of the same day of the month (May 1, 1891), Mr. Bailey and I found the species in full bloom, growing in large patches, and secured a fine series of specimens. With it was a second species equally large and handsome, but having white instead of yellow flowers, which proved to be undescribed, and which has been siuce named A. merriami. A. californicuni was afterward found near Bitter Springs in the Muddy Mountains (May 5), and in the Amargosa Desert between Ash Meadows and Oasis Valley (May 31). Arctomecon merriami. As stated above, this new and handsome poppy, with white flowers measuring 50mm (about 2 inches) in diameter, was discovered by Mr. Vernon Bailey and myself in Vegas Desert, southern Nevada, between Lower Cottonwood Springs and Vegas Spring, May 1, 1891. It was found in company with the yellow-flowered species (A. calif ofnicum), from which it differs in the leaves and fruit as well as in the flower. The botanist of the expedition, Mr. F. V. Coville, has paid me the compliment of attaching my name to the species and has figured it in his forthcoming report. t Stanleya pimiata. This miserable crucifer, which attains ti height of 4 or 5 feet, has a woody base, while the top is herbaceous. It was not seen in Utah nor eastern Nevada, but was common in some of the deserts of western Nevada and eastern California. It or a closely allied species was noted at the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common in places, and ranging up the west slope of the White Mountains to 1,970 meters (6,500 feet). Deep Spring Valley. — Common in the higher parts of the valley. *Rept. of Exploring Expedition to Rocky Mountains in 1842 and to Oregon and North California in 1843-'44, by Capt. J. C. Fremont, Washington, 1845 (Senate Doc, 174, Twenty-eighth Congress, second session), p. 312, Botany, PI. II. tProc. Biol. Soc, Washington, vol. vn, May 18, 1892, p. 66. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 291 NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Not found in the bottom of the valley, but tolera- bly com nion on tbe southeast side up to an altitude of 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) in a wash leading up towards Pigeon Spring, on the north- west slope of Mount Magruder. Grapevine Canon. — Occurs in the upper part of the canon. Sarcobatus Flat. — Tolerably common in places in the northern part of the flat. Oasis Valley. — Occurs sparingly. Pahranagat Valley. — Common in places, ranging up to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) on the west side of the valley. Isomeris arborea. The hills at the head of Antelope Valley, at the extreme west end of the Mohave Desert (altitude 1,160 meters, or 3,800 feet) were dotted with clumps of Isomer is, bearing yellow flowers and large inflated pods, the last week in Juue. It was abundant in a wash leading south from this point toward Peru Creek, and was found also in the lower part of the open canon leading from Mohave up to Tehachapi. Isonieris arborea globosa.* This new subspecies of Isomeris was described by Mr. Coville from specimens collected near Caliente, at tbe head of the San Joaquin Valley, California, where we found it common along Caliente Creek, a few miles east of the station, Juue 24, 1891. Krameria parvifolia. This small and scrubby bush is very characteristic of the lower Sono- ran deserts, but is not so generally distributed as some other species — notably Larrea and Franseria. It flowers profusely throughout the month of May, when it is literally buried in a mass of fragrant violet- purple blossoms. During the latter part of the month its spiny berries begin to show before it is wholly out of flower. During the remainder of the year it is easily mistaken for Coleogyne, though growing at alower altitude. The following notes on its distribution were recorded: NEVADA. Pahru.inp Valley. — Common on the east side of the valley, ranging up to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains. Indian Spring Valley. — Common throughout the valley, reaching up in the Xorth Arm among most of the Larrea areas. It was still in flower in Indian Spring Valley May 29, and in fruit the same date in the Amargosa couutiT. Pahranagat Valley. — Common on gravel soil, where it is mixed witli Grayia, Lyeium. Larrea, and Dalea, In a wash leading from Pahroc Plain to Pahranagat Valley it occurs as high as 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) in company with Franseria dumosa (still in bloom May 22-26). * Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., vol. vu, May 18, 1892, p. 73. 292 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Common iu the dry parts of the valley. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Abundant in the lower part of the valley, disap- pearing at an altitude of 1,220 to 1,275 meters (4,000-4,200 feet). Beaverdam Mountains. — On the west slope of the Beaverdam Moun- tains Krameria ranges up from the Virgin Valley to 1,150 meters (3,800 feet). Krameria canescens. This species was common in dry parts of the valleys of the Muddy and Virgin, Nevada. It is larger than Krameria parvifolia , from which its flowers differ in color and fragrance. Malvastrum rotundifolium. This exquisite species, whose large cup-shaped orange-pink flowers seemed disproportionately heavy for its slender stems, is common in the hottest deserts of eastern California and southwestern Nevada. It was found in the Mohave Desert, and in Panamint and Death valleys and the Amargosa Desert, but not in the deserts of eastern Nevada. It was common on the west side of the canon leading from the Amargosa to the west end of Indian Spring Valley, but was not observed in the latter valley. It blossoms early and was in fruit about the end of May. Spheeralcea monroana. This common and widely distributed species (if only one species is covered by the notes), grows in enormous patches in some of the deserts of the Great Basin, where it becomes a truly social plant, the individ- uals standing so near together that their large salmon-colored flowers give color to areas miles in extent. Among the many places where it was seen are the following: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places. Leach Point Valley. — Common. Owens Valley. — Common, ranging up to 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) on the west slope of the White Mountains opposite Big Pine. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Common, ranging up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder to 1,980 or 2,040 meters (0,500 or 0,700 feet). Grapevine Canon. — Common. Sarcobatus Flat. — Common in places. Amargosa Desert. — Occurs. North Arm of Indian Spring Valley. — Abundant everywhere. Emigrant Valley. — Abundant, and reaches up on the Desert Range nearly to the divide near Summit or Mud Spring. Timpahute Valley. — One of the principal plants, Mat, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 293 Paliranayat Valley. — Common, ranging up to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet) on the Paliranagat Mountains. Pah rump Valley. — Common. Vegas Valley. — Enormously abundant, giving color to more than half the area of the valley between Lower Cottonwood and Vegas springs. Fremontodendron californicum. This handsome small tree (G to 7 meters or 20 to 25 feet in height)^ whjch bears large and showy yellow flowers, grows in great abundance and perfection on the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada, west of the divide, and on the Coast Ranges, but does not occur anywhere within the limits of the Great Basin. CALIFORNIA. Walker Pass. — Beaches the summit of the pass from the west and is abundant thence down into the valley of Kern Biver, and from Kern- ville north to Havilah and Walker Basin (in full flower June 20-24). Canada de las Uvas. — Common, and still in flower on the higher mountains, June 28. Larrea tridentata. The creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is the most characteristic, con- spicuous, and widely distributed of the desert brush of the Lower Sonoran Zone, covering the gravel soils, wherever of suitable altitude, everywhere from the east foot of the Sierra Nevada in California to the valley of the Lower Santa Clara in Utah. Its dark green leaves and blackish stems render it conspicuous among all the other species with which it happens to be associated, so that it is easily distinguished at a distauce, and hence is the most important zone plant in tracing the boundary between the upper and lower divisious of the Lower Sonoran Zone. It is true that several other species — notably Franseria dumosa — agree with it essentially in distribution, but they are so inconspicuous that it would be difficult to trace the zones by their aid alone. The fol- lowing notes respecting the details of its distribution were recorded: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Universally distributed over suitable soils, reaching as far west as the extreme upper limit of the lower division of the Lower Sonoran Zone in Antelope Valley, which is about Gi kilometers (4 miles) east of the Liebre ranch along the middle and north part of the valley, but not quite so far west on the south side. On the north side of the Mohave Desert, opposite the town ot Mohave, it finds its upper limit at 940 meters (3,100 feet), just reaching the mouth of the open caiion leading to Tehachapi Valley. On the south side of the Mohave Desert near Cajon Bass it reaches its northern limit at 1,020 meters (3,350 feet). It does not cover the desert ranges in the Mohave Desert, and falls short of the divide at Bilot Knob or Granite Mountain (altitude 1,400 meters or 4,600 feet). 294 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Walker Pass. — At the east end of Walker Pass it ascends to 1,050 meters (3,400 feet), and on tlie south slope of the hills on the north side of the entrance to this x>ass reaches 60 meters (200 feet) higher, or to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Salt Wells Valley. — This valley is a true Larrea plain, and the Larrea is continuous with that of the Mohave Desert. Panamint Valley. — Common on the gravel soils, reaching up on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains as high as 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), and on favorable slopes to a still greater altitude. In Emigrant Canon (which slopes to the northeast) it stops at about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). Death Valley. — Common throughout the gravel slopes on both sides of the salt bottom, where it was just beginning to flower April 7. (It was seen in flower in southern Arizona two weeks earlier.) It reaches north through the lower part of the Northwest Arm of Death Valley (Mesqnite Valley) as far as Grapevine Canon, keeping on the gravel slopes, but does not occur much further north, the altitude being too great. Owens Valley. — In Owens Valley, Larrea is restricted to the extreme southern end of the valley, except along the east side where it ranges for some miles north of Owens Lake, along the warm west slope at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, this being the hottest slope exposure of the valley. South of Owens Lake it occurs in scattering patches for several miles, and completely covers the broad valley between Haway Mead- ows and Little Owens Lake, this valley being a true Larrea plain. NEVADA. Amargosa Desert. — At the point where the clay soil of Ash Meadows changes to the gravel of the Amargosa Desert proper, Larrea begins with a solid front and ranges northward without interruption over the whole of the north arm of the Amargosa Desert, forming one of the purest Larrea plains met with. Throughout the greater part of this desert the Larrea is hardly invaded by any other plant except the small and inconspicuous Chorizanthe rigida. The Larrea on this desert is stunted, hardly averaging more than § of a meter (about 2 feet) in height, and along the northern edge of the desert is mostly dead; per- haps winterkilled. It was heavy with its woolly fruit May 30, though a few blossoms were seen here and there At the same date it was still in flower in Indian Spring Valley. Oasis Valley. — Most parts of Oasis Valley are a little too high for Larrea, which forms a belt on favorable slopes hardly more than three miles wide. On good south and southwest slopes a scattering growth reaches as high as 1,370 meters (4,500 feet). To the east of the north end of Oasis Valley is a small valley draining into the east fork of Amargosa Creek in which a little Larrea occurs. It does not grow east of the main part of Bare Mountains, or anywhere to the east or north Mat,M93.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 295 east, the whole country being too high and tbe Lower Sonoran zone here reaching its northern limit for this part of Nevada. Grape vine Canon. — Larrea comes up solid through Grapevine Canon from Death Valley, almost, but not quite, reaching Sarcobatus Flat, where it does not grow. On a southwest slope ou the south side of Gold Mountain it attains an altitude of 1,620 or 1,650 meters (5,300 to 5,100 feet). Indian Spring Valley. — Larrea completely covers Indian Spring Val- ley, here reaching its northern limit at the base of the low range of mountains which forms the northern boundary of the valley. In the north arm of Indian Spring Valley it reaches northward a little be- yond Quartz Spring to an altitude of 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), or even a little higher on favorable slopes. It was still in flower in Indian Spring Valley May 29, aud in fruit in the Amargosa country at the same date. It does not occur in Timpahute Valley. • Pahranagat Valley. — Common on the gravel benches and slopes of the southern half of the valley, but not evenly distributed. It reaches Pahranagat Valley from the south, coming up from the Muddy Valley through the broad canon south of Pahranagat Lake and passing over the low divide (1,160 meters or 3,800 feet), whence it spreads north- ward over the low gravel slopes, becoming less abundant and more scattering until at an altitude of 1.250 to 1,280 meters (4,100 to 1,200 feet) it is found on south slopes only. It occurs in isolated patches in the broad wash leading into the valley from Pahroc Plain, where it has a southwest slope exposure, as high as 1,310 meters (4,400 feet). On the west side of the valley (east slope of Pahranagat Mountains) it is com- mon about as far north as the middle of the valley, stopping, except in struggling patches, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of the latitude of Eisemann's ranch. It was still in full flower May 22-26. Pahnunp Valley. — Scarce on the west side of the valley and absent from the extensive clay flat in the bottom, but abundant everywhere on the long gravel slope on the east side, ranging up the west slope of the Charleston Mountains to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet), where it overlaps the tree yuccas. Vegas Valley. — Abundant, covering the gravel soil of the whole valley and ranging up on the we.st side to 1,130 meters (3,700 feet), at the east foot of the Charleston Mountains. Bend of Colorado and Muddy Mountains. — Common on suitable soils throughout the region bordering the Great Bend of the Colorado, and passing abundantly over the low summits of the Muddy Mountains west of the Virgin Valley. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Abundant on suitable soil throughout these valleys and over the high gravel mesa between them, where it is the dominant bush alongthe boundary between Nevada and Arizona. It does not reach northward as far as Meadow Creek Valley. 296 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. ARIZONA. Beaverdam Mountains. — Larrea is abundant in the Virgin Valley near the mouth of Beaverdam Creek in northwestern Arizona, and reaches up on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,1G0 meters (3,800 feet). UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Larrea finds the extreme northeastern limit of its range in the Lower Santa Clara or St. George Valley in southwestern Utah, where it forms a sparse growth on gravel soils and disappears on southerly exposures on the north side of the valley at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,280 meters (4,000 to 4.200 feet). Thamnosma montana. This stinking bush, of a yell o wish -green color and generally sprinkled with berry dike fruit about the size of peas, was common in many of the southern deserts traversed. It was noted in the following locali ties: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places. Leach Point Valley. — Found sparingly. NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common on the Charleston Mountains, where it ranges on the west slope from about 1,340 to 1,825 meters (4,400 to 6,000 feet). On the east slope it descends to 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) with Coleogyne. Indian Spring Valley. — A few plants seen. Valley of the Virgin and Loicer Muddy. — Occurs sparingly. ARIZONA. Virgin Valley. — Found on the east side of the Virgin Valley near the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, whence it ranges up. to 1,310 meters (4,400 feet) ou the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs along the foot of the Beaverdam Moun- tains, ranging from 1,000 to 2,130 meters (3,000 to 4,300 feet). Mortonia scabrella. This bush was found by Mr. Bailey and myself on a limestone knoll in the valley of the Muddy, near Overton, Nev., May 0. It is re- markable for the peculiarity of its leaves, which are oval, conspicuously granular, and have thick margins that at first sight seem to be everted. Glossapetalon nevadense. This small bush was collected on the Pahroc Mountains near Pahroc Spring, Nevada, and a species supposed to be the same was found on the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 297 Glossapetalon spinescens. ' This species was found on the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, near Mountain Spring. Rhamnus crocea. Common in California in the Canada de las Uvas, and also on the Sierra Liebre; not recorded elsewhere. Ceanothus fendleri. Common on some of the desert ranges in the Great Basin, where it was observed in the following localities: NEVADA. Mount Magnifier. — Common on the main peak with SyntpJioricarpos. Charleston Mountains. — Common on the west slope, in the neighbor- hood of Mountain Spring, from 1,550 to 1,770 meters (5,100 to 5,800 feet), and perhaps higher. Highland Range. — Found on the west slope. UTAH. Beaver&am Mountains. — Common on the east slope, at an altitude of 1,340 to 1,370 meters (4,400 to 4,500 feet). Ceanothus divaricatus and C. cuneatus. These species are common in the chaparral of the west slope of the Sierra and Coast Ranges in California. In Walker Pass they are com- mon on the west slope from 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) downward, and range thence southerly along the west slope of the Sierra nearly to Caliente. They are common also on the south slope of the Sierra Liebre. iEsculus californica. The handsome California buckeye, which grows to be a small tree, was in full bloom when we first saw it, the last week in June, on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada between Kernville and Walker Basin, aud hi the Canada de las Uvas in the Tejon Mountains, a few days later. It usually grows on the sidehills, towering above the chaparral. Acer negundo. The box elder requires too much water to be common anywhere in the desert region proper. We found it along a running stream below Old Fort Tejon in the Canada de las Uvas, in California, and along the Santa Clara River, in Utah, but not elsewhere. Rhus trilobata. In California this species was common on the west slope of the Sierra between Walker Basin and Caliente, and on the Sierra Liebre. In Nevada it was found in scattered clumps on the Charleston Mountains, where it reaches its lower limit on the west slope at 1,550 meters (5,100 feet), and on the Pahranagat Mountains, where it ranges down on the east slope to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet). On the Beaverdam Mountains 298 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA, [No. 7. in southwestern Utah it descends to 1,150 meters (3,800 feet) on the west slope, and to 070 meters (3,200 feet) on the east slope, thus reaching the Santa Clara Valley. Rhus diversiloba. Common on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada and in the Coast Ranges. It was observed along the road between Walker Basin and Caliente, and also in the Canada de las Uvas. Dalea polyadenia. This small, glandular, strongly scented, purple-flowered species of Dalea is common over many of the desert valleys of the southern part of the Great Basin, where it was noted in the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places ; seen in Leach Point Valley. Owens Valley. — Common in places in the lower parts of the valley, particularly between Owens Lake and Haway Meadows. Deep Spring Valley. — Occurs in company with D. fremonti, Grayia, Menodora, and a few other shrubs. NEVADA. Fish Lalce Valley. — Tolerably common on the southeast side of the valley and ranging up to an altitude of 1,765 meters (5,800 feet). Grapevine Canon. — Tolerably common in the bottom of the canon near Sarcobatus Flat. Sarcobatus Flat. — Rather common in places in the northern part of the flat. Oasis Valley. — A single bush seen. Pahranagat Valley. — Common at the extreme south end of the valley in company with the large blue-flowered species (D. fremonti), and ex- tends thence northerly over the gravel soil and lower gravel slopes up to 1,340 or 1,370 meters (4,400-4,500 feet). In full flower May 22-20. Great Bend of Colorado River. — Common; in flower May 4. Muddy Mountains. — Rather common; in full flower May 5. Dalea fremonti. The Daleas rank among the most characteristic and, when in flower, among the most beautiful and showy of the desert brush. Some doubt attaches to the determination of the species observed by Mr. Bailey and myself. The large blue-flowered species believed to be Dalea fremonti was noted at the following localities: CALIFOHNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places; noted in Leach Point Valley. Oivens Valley. — Common along the west side of the valley from Lone Pine to Olancha, and less common south to Haway Meadows. From the east side of Owens Valley it ranges up on the west slope of the White Mountains to 1,080 meters (0,500 feet). Deep Spring Valley. — Found in company with D. polyadenia, Grayia, and other bushes of the upper division of the Lower Souoran Zone. May. 1893.] SHRUBS OP THE DfiATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 299 NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Common in the southeast corner of the valley, whence it ranges up to an altitude of 1,765 meters (5,800 feet). Gold Mountain. — Common on the north slope of Gold Mountain a little below 2,135 meters (7,000 feet) in altitude. Indian Spring Valley. — Common in the Larrea in the north arm of Indian Spring Valley. Pahranagat Valley. — This large blue-flowered species was found in company with the small purple-flowered JJalea polyadenia, and with Coleogyne ramosissima, on the gravel divide at the extreme south end of the valley, south of Pahranagat Lake, at an altitude of 1,155 meters (3,800 feet). Like Coleogyne, it stops about half a mile north of this divide and does not occur in Pahranagat Valley proper. It does occur, however, also in company with Coleogyne, on the west side of the valley on the gavel slope at the east foot of the Pahranagat Mountains, be- tween 1,280 and 1,370-meters (4,200 and 1,500 feet), but is rather scarce there. It was in full flower May 22-20. Dalea johnsoni. Specimens of the large and showy Dalea johnsoni were collected near St. George, in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah; and the species was common from the Santa Clara Valley (altitude 970 meters, or 3,200 feet) up to 1,090 meters (3,600 feet) on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains. Robinia neomexicana. This dwarf locust was found in the Santa Clara Valley, in Utah, and thence up along the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,010 meters (3,400 feet), but was not observed elsewhere. Cassia armata. This handsome Cassia was found flowering abundantly at the Great Bend of the Colorado River (May 4), in Leach Point Valley (April 25), and near the south end of Death Valley (April 26). Cercis occidentalis. The Judas bush was found in but one spot in the Great Basin, namely, the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, where Mr. Bailey and I found it flowering in profusion in a rocky canon a little east of Mountain Spring, April 30. The seed pods of the previous year were still clinging to the branches, together with the handsome red flowers. On the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, in California, it was found in Kern Valley as low down as 820 meters (2,700 feet) on northerly exposures. Prosopis juliflora. The two species of raesquite are commonly ranked as trees and are the only trees besides cottonwoods that inhabit the arid Sonoran deserts of the Great Basin. The cottonwoods are never found except near water; the niesquite, on the other hand, occur at long distances from visible 300 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. P*o.V. water and often occupy the tops of sand dunes. They usually grow in clumps from 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet) in height. Their roots are very long and are said to travel 30 meters (100 feet) or more in search of moisture. The two species occur either together or singly, and their fruit, called 'mesquite beans/ is much sought after by the native animals and birds of the region, and also by the Indians. The pods are sweet and nutritious, and are sometimes gathered and fed to horses and mules instead of grain. The present species (Prosopis julijlora) was observed at the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Hot Springs, Panqmint Valley. — Tolerably common. Death Valley. — Occurs in clumps and irregular patches on the west side of the valley, beginning several miles south of Mesquite Well and ranging thence northward. It is abundant also on sand dimes in the northwest arm of Death Valley, from which circumstance the place is commonly known as i Mesquite Valley.' In Death Valley it was just coming into leaf on clayey soil April 10, while adjoining clumps on sand soil were in full leaf at the same date. Amargosa Canon. — Common in places. Resting Spring. — Tolerably common. NEVADA. Ash Meadows. — Common. Indian Spring Valley. — Common in a few places. Virgin and Lower Muddy Valleys. — Common in many places. (In full flower May C.) Great Bend of tlie Colorado. — Abundant on the sand hills on the south side of Vegas Wash. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs spariugly on sandy soil in the lower valley. Prosopis pubescens. This mesquite, commonly known as 'screw bean,' is widely distributed over the deserts of the southwest, usually in company with the preced- ing. It was noted in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Panamint Valley. — Common about Hot Springs. Death Valley. — Common along the west side of the valley. Amargosa Canon. — Occurs with P. julijlora and is enormously abun- dant in the upper part of the canon, where Tecopa Canon comes in. NEVADA. Ash Meadows. — Abundant. Virgin and Lower Muddy Valleys. — Common in places. Indian Spring Valley. — Occurs in places. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 301 UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs sparingly on sandy soil in the lower valley. Acacia greggii. This Lower Sonoran shrub, which grows to be 2 J to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in height, perhaps higher, was not found in California, or in Nevada west of the Charleston Mountains. It is tolerably common along the upper and lower Cottonwood Springs at the east foot of the Charleston Mountains, and thence easterly was found at Bitter Springs in the Muddy Mountains, and in the valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy, and thence northerly to the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, in northwestern Arizona, where it was abundant on the flat at the junction of Beaverdam Creek with the Virgin. Prunus fasciculata. This species is so characteristic of the desert ranges in the southern part of the Great Basin that it might properly be called the 'Desert Range Almond.' It is known to the Mormons as the wild almond and grows in dense clumps of bushes about as high as a man's head or lower, with irregular and very tough branches. It was noted in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. White Mountains. — Found in places along the summit and in canons. WalJcer Pass and Kern Valley. — Occurs sparingly, descending as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet) on northerly exposures in Kern Valley. NEVADA. Mount Magnifier. — Not common, but found in the upper part of Tule Canon and in a few other places. Gold Mountain. — Tolerably common on the north slope in scattered clumps a little below 2,135 meters (7,000 feet). Highland Range. — Occurs sparingly, mixed with Artemisia tridentata. Pahroc Mountains. — Tolerably common, mixed with sagebrush and Kunzia. Juniper Mountains. — Bather common, mixed with sagebrush and juni- per, beginning at an altitude of about 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) on the Meadow Valley side and ranging up to the divide. Charleston Mountains. — Common, reaching its lower limit on the west slope (Pahi'ump Valley side) at about 1,435 meters (4,700 feet). UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common, ranging down on the west slope to about 1,160 meters (3,800 ieet) and on the east slope to about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs in scattering patches on the rocky hill- sides in the Upper Santa Clara Valley, beginning about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of St. George at an altitude of 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) and ranging thence northerly to the Upper Santa Clara Crossing. 302 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Prunus virginiana (or demissa). The chokeclierry grows sparingly about Sheep Spring in the Juni- per Mountains between Panaea, Nevada, and Ilebron, Utah, but was not observed elsewhere. Prunus andersoni. This species was found on the west slope of Walker Pass in the southern Sierra Nevada, California, at an altitude of about 1,370 me- ters (4,500 feet). Basilinia millefolium. This beautiful shrub was observed on the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah, and on the east slope of the High Sierra in Cali- fornia, where it was abundant at and a little below 2,000 meters (9,500 feet). Holodiscus discolor. Found on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada in California at an al- titude of about 2,130 meters (7,000 feet). Adenostoma fasciculatum. The California chemisal or chemise does not enter the desert region of the Great Basin, though it occurs on the north or Mohave Desert slope of the Sierra Liebre and throughout Cajon Pass in the San Ber- nardino Mountains. It is the prevailing chaparral of the coast ranges of southern California and is generally mixed with scrub oaks and Ceanothus, forming impenetrable thickets. It is abundant on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada on the east side of t}\e upper San Joa- quin Valley. On the north slope of the Sierra Liebre it begins a little north of Alamo ranch at an altitude of 730 meters (2,400 feet), whence southward it is the prevailing chaparral. It was in flower in the Sierra Liebre the last week in June. Kunzia glandulosa [=Purshia gland nlosa]. Mr. Coville tells me that this is the species found by us on the sum- mit of Walker Pass in the southern Sierra Nevada, and thence down on the west slope to 940 meters (4,100 feet). On the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains (which cross the boundary between Utah and Arizona) Mr. Bailey and I collected a form very close to K. glandulosa, and also the typical K. tridentata, apparently at different altitudes. Some of the records under the latter species may belong to the former. Kunzia tridentata [ = PursMa trident '«/«]. Kunzia tridentata is common on many of the desert ranges, where it usually grows in company with Gowania mexicana and Fallugia par- adoxa. When not in flower these three genera resemble one another so closely that they are sometimes confounded. Kunzia has yellow flowers on very short peduncles ; Fallugia has pure white flowers on very Jong peduncles j Gowania has handsome cream-colored flowers on mod- May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 303 erate peduncles. It is possible that the two species of Kunzia (K. tri- dentata and K. glandulosa) have been confounded in some of the follow- ing localities : CALIFORNIA. White Mountains. — Common on the east slope, ranging down to 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) on the Fish Lake Valley side. Mount Magruder. — Common in places, ranging down into Tule Canon. Gold Mountain. — Common, ranging down on the south side nearly as low as sagebrush (a little above 1,860 meters or 6,100 feet). Hungry Hill Summit. — Common just north of the summit, whence it ranges over the divide (1,760 meters or 5,800 feet) and passes south toward the north arm of Indian Spring Valley to about 1,520 meters meters (5,000 feet). Timpahute and Desert mountains. — A little was seen near Mud or Summit Spring. Pahranagat Mountains. — Common, ranging down to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet) on the east slope. HyJco Mountains. — Common in places, descending into the broad wash that leads from Pahroc Plain into the middle of Pahranagat Valley. Pahroc Mountains. — Common, mixed with Coicania mexicana, Arte- misia tridentata, and Primus fasciculata. Juniper Mountains. — Common in the juniper forest between Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, and Shoal Creek, Utah, where it was just com- ing into flower May 18. A week earlier (May 10-11) it was past flow- ering in the Beaverdam Mountains. UTAH. Upper Santa Clara Valley. — Common from an altitude of 1,640 meters (5,400 feet) upwards to 1,830 meters (6,000 feet), and ranging thence northward to the Upper Santa Clara Crossing and Shoal Creek. Mostly past flowering in the Upper Santa Clara Valley May 17. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common, descending to 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) on the east or northeast slope, and ranging down on the west slope to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). Past flowering and petals all off May 11. Coleogyne ramosissima. This important zone plant grows in the Grayia belt just above the upper limit of the Larrea; it belongs therefore to the upper division of the Lower Sonoran Zone. The altitude which it requires takes jt out of most of the desert valleys and places it on the sides of the desert ranges, where it commonly grows in a narrow belt between the creosote bush {Larrea tridentata) and the sage (Artemisia tridentata). 304 NOKTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [Ko.7. It is a low, dark-colored bush bearing small yellow flowers. The fol- lowing notes respecting the details of its distribution were recorded : CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common along the west side of the valley on the lower slope of the Sierra Nevada, between the altitudes of 1,375 and 1,900 meters (4,500 and 6,200 feet). Panamint Mountains. — On the west slope of the Panamint Mountains, in a broad basin above Wild Rose Spring, a well-denned zone of Coleogyne crosses the basin obliquely between the upper edge of the Larrea and the southern edge of the juniper at an altitude of about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). On the east slope of the Panamint range Mr. Bailey found it in a zone between about 1,3-10 and 1,710 meters (4,400 to 5,600 feet). NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common on the west slope, beginning at the upper edge of the Larrea at 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) and ranging up to, about 1,825 meters (0,000 feet) in the neighborhood of Mountain Spring, where it passes over the divide and descends on the east slope to about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) with Yucca baccata and Thamnosma montana. In full bloom Ain-il 30 on the east slope of Charleston Mountains. Hungry Hill Summit. — Begins just north of the summit, passes over it and descends the south slope toward the North Arm of Indian Spring Valley to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) altitude. Timpahute and Desert mountains. — Common in the saddle between the Timpahute and Desert mountains. Pahranagat Mountains. — Common at 1,825 meters (6,000 feet) on the west or Timpahute side and ranging thence down to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). On the east (Pahranagat Valley) side it grows in a zone between 1,275 and 1,500 meters (4,200 and 4,900 feet). Pahranagat Valley. — Not found anywhere on the east side of the val- ley proper, but common on the gravel slope on the west side, beginning 1 mile from the bottom at 1,275 meters (4,200 feet) and ranging up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) at the east foot of the Pahranagat Mountains. At the south end of Pahranagat Valley it comes up over the divide below the lake at 1,150 meters (3,800 feet) and stops about half a mile north of the divide. (It was not found anywhere in Meadow Creek Valley.) . UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common on the west slope from 1,040 meters (3,400 feet) up to the summit of the pass at 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), and on the northeast slope between 975 and 1,340 meters (3,200 and 4,400 feet), and straggling still higher. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs on cold slopes in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, near St. George, whence it ranges up on the north side of th§ May, 1893.1 SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 305 valley (south exposure) to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), but is uot evenly dis- tributed. Cercocarpus ledifolius. The mountain mahogany is common on the higher summits of some of the desert ranges, and was recorded from the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Panamint Mountains. — A grove of large and handsome mountain mahogany trees occupies the bottom of a canon above the abandoned charcoal kilns at the north base of Telescope Peak, whence straggling- trees pass over the summit of the Panamint Range north of the Peak at an altitude of 2,560 meters (8,400 feet). Others were found on the north slope as high as 3,600 meters (9,300 feet). High Sierra. — On the east (Owens Valley) slope of the High Sierra the mountain mahogany is found in abundance, and of unusually large size. West of Lone Pine it grows in a zone from 2,285 to 2,900 meters (7,500 to 9,500 feet) altitude, and many of the individual trees attain a diameter of a foot. NEVADA. Mount Magnifier. — Common and of large size on the main peak, above 2,590 meters (8,500 feet), but not reaching summit. UTAII. Upper Santa Clara Valley. — Common in places on the west slope ot Pine Valley Mountain. Cercocarpus parvifolius. Common in the chaparral on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada and on the coast ranges. It was found in abundance also in the Canada de las Uvas and on the south slope of the Sierra Liebre, along the upper part of the valley of Peru Creek. Cowania mexicana. This beautiful shrub, which attains a height of 2 or 3 meters (6 to 9 feet), is common on many of the desert ranges, where it Mowers in such profusion that its large cream-colored blossoms often hide the deep green of its foliage. CALIFORNIA. Panamint Mountains. — Found on the summit of the range, northwest of Telescope Peak, at an altitude of about 2,560 meters (8,400 feet). NEVADA. Mount Magruder. — Found sparingly in the upper part of the Tule Canon on the south slope of Mount Magruder. Gold Mountain. — Common, and ranging down on the south side to about 1,990 meters (6,200 feet). Hungry Hill Summit. — Begins just north of the summit, passesover the divide and down ou the south side, toward Indian Spring Valley, to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). 12731— No. 7—20 306 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. I*" 7 Paliranagat Mountains. — Common, descending to about 1,580 meters (5,200 feet) on the east slope. Pahroc Mountains. — Common in the sage brush near Pakroe Spring; just coming into flower May 20. Highland Range. — Found on the west slope. Charleston Mountains. — Found on the west slope from 1,550 to 1,830 meters (5,100 to 6,000 feet) in the neighborhood of Mountain Spring. J uniper Mountains (between Panaca, Nevada,and Skoal Greek, Utah). — Abundant in places on south exposures, where it was hardly in bud May 17, while a week earlier (May 10) it was flowering in the height of per- fection on the Beaverdam Mountains. Kunzia tridentata was common with Cowania in the Juniper Mountains and was just coming into flower May 1 7, while it had past flowering in the Beaverdam Mountains May 10. Beaverdam Mountains. — Abundant, ranging from 1,100 to 1,430 meters (3,600 to 4,700 feet) in altitude on the northeast slope; flowering pro- fusely May 10-11. Santa Clara Valley. — In ascending the Santa Clara Valley, Cowania begins in the sage brush about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of St. George (altitude 1,280 meters, or 4,200 feet), and extends thence northerly to and beyond the Upper Santa Clara Crossing, reaching an altitude of about 1,645 meters (5,400 feet) where it stops and Kunzia begins. In other localities it is mixed with Kunzia, though the latter generally ranges higher. Fallugia paradoxa. This species occurs on many of the desert ranges of the Great Basin, often associated with Cowania mexicana and Kunzia tridentata, from which it has not always been discriminated by travelers. Fallugia aver- ages hardly more than a meter in height, being a much smaller bush than Cowania. Its pure white flowers are larger than the cream-colored blossoms of Cowania, and are borne on longer peduncles. The flowers of Kunzia are yellow. Fallugia was found in the following localities : NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common on the west slope above 1,430 meters (4,700 feet), in the neighborhood of Mountain Spring, ranging up to at least 1,700 meters (5,600 feet). On the east slope it was not seen above 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). Paliranagat Mountains. — Common on the east slope a little above 1,580 meters (5,200 feet), and on the west slope reaches the summit. Hungry. Hill Summit. — Begins just north of summit and passes over the divide (1,770 meters, or 5,800 feet) and down on the south side to- ward the North Arm of Indian Spring Valley to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). May,1893.] SHKU13S OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 307 UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common on the east and northeast slopes of the Beaverdam Mountains, between 1,100 and 1,370 meters (3,800 to 1,500 feet), where it was jnst coming into flower May 11. Rosa sp.— ? A wild rose was found in large patches in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada, where it was in full bloom May 22-25. Heteromeles arbutifolia. This is one of the characteristic shrubs of the Coast Eanges of Cali- fornia. It is common on the south slope of the Sierra Liebre, but hardly enters the region covered by the expedition. Amelanchier alnifolia. The service berry does not grow in the deserts, but occurs sparingly on some of the desert ranges. In Nevada it was found on the west slope of the Charleston Moun- tains, between 1,675 and 1,765 meters (5,500 to 5,800 feet) altitude; on the Juniper Mountains, on the Pahroc Mountains, and on Mount Ma- gruder, where it descends into the upper part of Tule Canon. In Utah it was found sparingly between the Upper Santa Clara Cross- ing and Mountain Meadows, and in some places formed dense thickets; and on the east .slope of the Beaverdam Mountains it was common be- tween an altitude of 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) and the summit of the pass at 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). Peraphyllum ramosissimum. This dwarf cherry, whose handsome flowers are disproportionately large for so small a bush, was found in the following localities on the mountain sides of the Transition Zone. NEVADA. Mount Magruder. — Very abundant in large patches from an altitude of about 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) up to about 2,590 meters (8,500 feet) and descending into Tule Canon. Flowering profusely June 6. Charleston Mountains. — Found near Mountain Spring. Ifungry Rill Summit. — Begins a little north of the summit, passes over the divide (1,760 meters, or 5,800 feet) and down on the south side toward the North Arm of Indian Spring Valley to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). Highland Range. — Found on the west slope. Juniper Mountains. — Found in scattered clumps at an altitude of about 1,825 meters, (6,000 feet) and upwards from the Upper Santa Clara Crossing to Shoal Creek and thence northwesterly across the Juniper Plateau. Ribes leptantlnim brachyanthum. This species was collected on Gold Mountain, Nevada, at an altitude of about 2,130 meters (7,000 feet). 308 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Others, probably the same species, were found at Sheep Spring in the Juniper Mountains, Nevada; in the canon at the south end of Pahranagat Valley, and on Mount Magrnder. Ribes menziesii. Common in places in the Canada dc las Uvas, California, especially in the vicinity of Old Fort Tejon. Fetalonyx parryi. This bush was found in but one locality, namely, the mesa on the south side of Vegas Wash, Nevada, where it was abundant on gypsum soil and in full bloom May 2. It is a small bush averaging 450 to GOO"1111 (about 1£ or 2 feet) in height, and having pale, yellowish flowers. Eucnide urens. This singular plant, which grows in crevices in rocky canons, was found in suitable places along the bases of many of the desert ranges in southern California and western Nevada, and also along the Lower Santa Clara Kiver in southwestern Utah. Garrya veatchii flavescens. This willow-like bush, about li meters (5 feet) in height, is common on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, near Mountain Spring, between 1,070 and 1,7G0 meters (5,500 and 5,800 feet), and on the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah. Symphoricarpos longiflorus. Symphoricarpos bushes were found on many of the desert ranges of Nevada, in the Upper Sonoran and Transition zones. 8. longijlorus was common at Pahroc Spring, where it was in full flower May 21 (speci- mens collected). Others, supposed to belong to the same species, but not collected and not positively identified, were recorded from the fol- lowing localities: NEVADA. Highland Range. — Common in places, particularly in canons. Tim/pahute and Desert mountains. — Common in places on the higher parts of the range. Hylco Range. — Found sparingly in a canon leading from Pahroc Plain to Pahranagat Valley. Pahranagat Mountains. — Common, descending on the east slope to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet). Gold Mountain. — Common on the north side. Mount Magruder. — Common high up on the main peak and on side hills lower down, and also in several of the canons, particularly in the upper part of Tule Canon. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Found on the east slope. Mat, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 309 Amphiachyris fremoutii. This handsome little bush, which is common on parts of the Mohave Desert, was collected in the Valley of the Virgin near Bunkerville, Nevada. Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus. This composite desert shrnl) is abundant on many of the deserts and was common in the narrow valley between Owens Lake and Haway Meadows, California. Aplopappus monactis. Collected on Sarcobatus Flat, on the southwestern edge of the Rals- ton Desert, Nevada. Bigelovia douglassi. This species is not found in the desert bottoms, but is common among the sage brush and junipers on many of the mountain sides. CALIFORNIA. Walker Pass.— Becomes abundant at an altitude of 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) on the east side and ranges up over the summit of the pass. On the west side it descends plentifully to 1,250 meters (4,100 feet). Kern Valley.— Occurs on the north exposures as low down as 820 meters (2,700 feet). Tehachapi Basin. — Occurs. Canada de las Uvas. — Common. Bigelovia graveolens. This Upper Sonoran desert species was common in the extreme west- ern end of the Mohave Desert (Antelope Valley) and was found in a wash leading thence southerly toward Peru Creek, along with tree yuccas, sage brush, and Isomer is. Specimens provisionally referred to the same species by Mr. Coville were collected at Beaverdam, Ari- zona. Bigelovia teretifolia. Collected on Gold Mountain. Nevada, at an altitude of 1,830 meters (0,000 feet) June 3. A large and rank species, supposed to be the same, was found in abundance in many of the dry washes of the desert ranges from Emi- grant Canon in the Panamint Mountains, California, eastward to the Pahranagat and Hyko ranges, Nevada, and the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah. On the west slope of the latter range it was found up to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). Baccharis glutinosa. No species of Baccharis was observed on the western side of the Great Basin, but one or more species were found in great abundance at the Bend of the Colorado River, in Nevada, and in the Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy, and also on the flat at the mouth of Beaver- dam Creek, in northwestern Arizona, 310 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [So. 7. Fluchea sericea. This slender, willow-like plant, sometimes called c arrow-wood,' forms low thickets in the neighborhood of water in some parts of the desert region, but was not found west of Death Valley. It is common at Fur- nace Creek on the east side of Death Valley, the only locality in Cali- fornia where it was seen by the expedition. In Nevada it is common about some of the warm springs in Ash Meadows, and very abundant in Vegas Wash and about the Great Bend of the Colorado Eiver, and also in parts of the Muddy and Virgin valleys. In the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, near the junction of the Santa Clara with the Virgin, it forms dense thickets along the river. Hymenoclea salsola. This small shrub, which suggests a Bigelovia in general appearance, but is profusely beset with small glomerate heads, is common in many parts of the desert region, particularly along the courses of washes on the mountain sides, in which it frequently attains a considerable alti- tude. The following notes on its distribution were recorded : CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places and found as far west as Ante- lope Valley, between the tow a of Mohave and Willow Spring; also extends up the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehaehapi Basin, where it reaches an altitude of 1,050 meters (3,450 feet). Walker Pass. — On the east side of the pass it ranges up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) in the tree yuccas. On the west side of the pass it runs down info Kern Valley as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet), per- haps lower. Owens Valley. — Abundant in the southern part of the valley and one of the commonest shrubs on the west side between Lone Pine and Haway Meadows. It ranges up along the foot of the Sierra slope to 1,525 or 1,550 meters (5,000 or 5,100 feet). Beep Spring Valley. — Found in the ^Yash leading up to the pass across the White Mountains. NEVADA. Grapevine Canon. — Common in the bottom of the canon. Oasis Valley. — Common along the bottom of the valley. Indian Spring Valley. — Common in the wash at the extreme west end of Indian Spring Valley. Emigrant Valley. — Common and reaching thence up on the west side of the Desert Mountains to about 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) near Mud or Summit Spring. Timpahute Valley. — One of the principal plants in the bottom. Pahranagat Valley. — Common throughout the dryer parts of the valley up to about 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). On the west side (Pahra- nagat Mountain slope) it runs up a gravel wash to nearly 1,525 meters Mat, 1803.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 311 (5,000 feet). On the east side it is common in a wash leading down from Pahroc Plain through the Hyko Mountains. Virgin Valley. — Common in places. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Reaches up the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). Santa Clara Valley. — Common over most of the valley, reaching- up on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,100 meters (3,(300 feet). Fianseria duniosa. This small and inconspicuous shrub is one of the most important zone plants of the Lower Sonoran Zone, because of its wide distribu- tion and strict adherence to the lower division of this zone. It occurs almost invariably in company with Larrea tridentata. The following notes on its distribution were recorded: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Abundant, finding its upper limit on the north side of the desert at about 1,000 meters (3,250 feet), where it enters the mouth of the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehachapi, and ranges about 45 meters (150 feet) higher than Larrea. It reaches its western limit in Antelope Valley. Walker Pass. — Common at the east mouth of Walker Pass, ranging up to about 1,100 meters (3,000 feet) thus exceeding the Larrea by about 30 meters (100 feet). Owens Valley. — Common in the extreme south end of the valley on the east side, and found in scattered patches from Lone Pine south, and all along the west side of Owens Lake and thence south to Haway Meadows. NEVADA. Pahrump Valley. — Common in the Larrea on the east side of the val- ley, where it finds its upper limit with that of Larrea on the southwest slope of the Charleston Mountains at 1,310 meters (4,400 feet). Vegas Valley. — Covers the valley with Larrea and ranges up on the west side to about 1,130 meters (3,700 feet). Muddy Mountains. — Common in Larrea at the Great Bend of the Colo- rado whence it extends northward over the low summits of the Muddy Mountains between Callville and the Virgin. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Abundant in dry places with Larrea, particularly on gravel slopes. Common also on the high mesa between these two rivers, where it is abundant along the boundary between Arizona and Nevada. Paltranagat Valley. — Common on the gravel benches with Larrea in the southern and southwestern parts of the valley, but not evenly dis- tributed and not reaching the northern part of the valley at all. It inns up an open canon leading from Pahroc Plain into Pahranagat Valley, 312 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. reaching an altitude of 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) on the southwesterly slope exposures, but falling a little short of the extreme limit of the scattered patches of Larrea in the same canon. Indian Spring Valley. — Common throughout the valley in Larrea. Oasis Valley. — Occurs sparsely in the lower part of the valley along with Larrea, both species here finding their northern limit in this part of Nevada. Grapevine Canon. — Franseria comes up in Grapevine Canon from Death Valley and reaches up on the southern slope of Gold Mountain as high as 1,610 meters (5,300 feet) in company with Larrea. (It was not found in Sarcobatus Flat or in Meadow Creek Valley.) ARIZONA. Common with Larrea in the Valley of the Virgin near the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, and ranging thence easterly up the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,160 meters (3,800 feet). UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs sparingly in the lower part of the val- ley, disappearing a little above 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Franseria eriocentra. This species was first found at the mouth of Beaverdam Creek in northwestern Arizona. On the opposite side of the mountains it is com- mon in parts of the Santa Clara Valley in Utah. In Nevada it is abun- dant in the higher parts of Pahranagat Valley, whence it ranges up through a canon in the Hyko Mountains; it reaches the summit of the pass over the Pahranagat Mountains (1,825 meters or 6,000 feet) from the west (Tiinpahute) slope; and occurs also at Hungry Hill Summit, whence it extends southerly to about 1,675 meters (5,500 feet). Encelia frutescens. This species is common in places on the Mohave Desert, whence it ranges up completely through the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehachapi Valley (altitude of divide 1,100 meters or 3,600 feet), and up the east slope of Walker Pass to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet). Artemisia tridentata. This species, the true aromatic sagebrush of the Great Basin, does not grow anywhere in the deserts of the Lower Sonoran zone, but be- gins with the Upper Sonoran and ranges thence northward over the plains of the Transition zone, and on many mountain sides covers the gravel slopes well up into the Boreal. In the southern part of the Great Basin, therefore, it was found only on the mountains. Coming down from the plains of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, it covers the whole of the northern part of the State of Nevada, and California east of the Sierra Nevada, and reaches southward uninterruptedly along the bottom of Owens Valley nearly to Owens Lake, and still further south along the Sierra, White, and Inyo mountains. On the treeless May. 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 313 plains it is much prized as firewood. The following detailed notes on its distribution were recorded: CALIFORNIA. Canada de las Uvas. — Common at an altitude of 1,070 meters (3,500 feet), ranging- from Oastac Lake eastward to the extreme west foot of Antelope Valley aud also occurring in a wash leading thence south- ward toward Peru Greek, where it is mixed with stunted tree yuccas (altitude 760 to 910 meters or 2,500 to 3,000 feet). Walker Pass. — Common on the east side of the pass from 1,430 meters (4,700 feet), to summit (1,550 meters or 5,100 feet), and much higher on mountains on both sides. On the west slope it covers the whole })ass down to 1,240 meters (4,100 feet). Kern Valley. — Found on a steep north slope in the Kern Elver Val- ley as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet). East slope of Sierra Nevada. — Abundant all along the west side of Owens Valley and ranging thence up on the Sierra as high as 2,740 meters (9,000 feet). Owens Valley. — Covers the whole valley from its northern end down to within a few miles of Lone Pine, descending to about 1,1G0 meters (3,800 feet). South of Lone Pine it is confined to the west side of the valley, where it follows the cold streams that come down from the High Sierra and is common on the slope above 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). In a few places it reaches the narrow valley between Owens Lake and Haway Meadows. It is absent from the warm slope at the foot of the White and Inyo mountains on the east side of Owens Valley, but begins as low as 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) on northerly exposures in the latitude of Big Pine, and ranges up over the White Mountains. White and Inyo mountains. — Abundant over most parts of the sum- mit of the range, often forming pure sage plains of considerable extent and ranging down to about 2,280 meters (7,500 feet) on the west slope (Owens Valley side) and to 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) on the east slope (Deep Spring Valley side), but does not descend into Deep Spring Valley. Panamint Mountains. — Common along the summit of the range, de- scending as low in places as 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) or even 1,920 meters (6,300 feet). On the west slope of Telescope Peak it grows as high as 3,050 meters (10,000 feet). Mohave Desert. — Found on the summit of Cajon Pass and thence along the upper part of the Mohave Desert at the foot of the San Ber- nardino Mountains, occurring sparsely among the junipers down to an altitude of 1,160 meters (3,800 feet), where it is replaced by Atriplex and other genera. The altitude of the Mohave Desert as a whole is too low for sagebrush. NEVADA. Fish Lalee Valley. — Not found in the bottom of the valley, but de- scends from the White Mountains to about 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) 314 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. along the west side of the valley; and from Mount Magruder to about 2,040 meters (6,700 feet) on the southeast side of the valley (northwest exposure), and still lower on northerly exposures. Mount Magruder. — Covers the whole Mount Magruder plateau and the hills and peaks that rise from it even to the extreme summit of Mount Magruder itself. On the latter peak it grows in a peculiar way, forming distinct lines that are conspicuous at a distance. These lines are horizontal on the peaks and vertical on the saddles. On the south side of Mount Magruder it descends into Tule Canon (in the upper part of which it is the i)revailiug brush) and into the valley between Mount Magruder and Gold Mountain, where it is mixed with Grayia spinosa, Tetradymia glabrata, Atriplex confertifoMa, and other species. On the northwest slope of Mount Magruder it descends to Pigeon Spring (altitude 2,040 meters, or 0,700 feet) and reaches several hundred feet lower on the south side of the canon (north exposure). Gold Mountain. — Sagebrush is the prevailing brush on Gold Moun- tain, on the south slope of which it descends to 1,830 meters (0,000 feet). Timpahute and Desert ranges. — Common along the summit, descend- ing to the divide at Hungry Hill summit, 1,780 meters (5,850 feet), and extending thence southward toward the North Arm of Indian Spring Valley to 1,740 meters (5,700 feet), and northward toward Emigrant Valley to 1,700 meters (5,600 feet). Pahranagat Mountains. — Abundant, descending as low as 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) on the east slope (Pahranagat Valley side) at the latitude of the middle of the valley, and still lower in the northern part of the valley. Pahroe Mountains. — Common, reaching down to 1,740 meters (5,700 feet) or a little lower on the upper levels of Desert Valley. Highland range. — Abundant, descending to 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) on the west side (Desert Valley side), and down into the valley of Meadow Creek on the east side, covering the valley excepting the flat bordering the creek. Juniper Mountains. — The whole of the high plateau here spoken of as the Juniper Plateau or Mountains, extending from Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, easterly to and across the western boundary of Utah, is continuously covered with sagebrush mixed with junipers. Charleston Mountains. — Abundant throughout the higher parts of the Charleston Mountains, descending on the west slope (Pahrnmp Valley side) to 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). UTAH. In western Utah the true sage spreads southward continuously, cov- ering the Escalante Desert and Shoal Creek Country and Mountain Meadows (which is a true sage plain), and extending south continuously far enough to include the Upper Santa Clara Valley above 1,280 meters Mat,1803.] SHliUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 315 (4/200 feet) altitude, where its southern edge reaches within 13 kilo- meters (8 miles) of the town of St. George. To the west it ranges con- tinuously over the Juniper Plateau to Meadow Creek Valley as already mentioned, and reaches southward along the Beaverdam Mountains, descending to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) on the west (Arizona) slope and to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) on the east (Utah) slope. Artemisia spinescens. This compact little species is abundant on many of the higher valleys and slopes of the desert region in the southern part of the Great Basin, in California and Nevada. The following notes on its distribution were recorded : CALIFORNIA. Walker Pass. — Found on the summit at an altitude of 1,S30 meters (5,100 feet). Deep Spring Valley. — Common, in company with Menodora spinosa, Grayia spinosa, Eurotia lanata, Dalea fremonti, D. polyadcnia, Lycium andersoni, and Tetradymia spinosa. Panamint Mountains. — Common in many parts of the range. The little basin between Wild Rose Spring and Emigrant Canon, named 'Perognathus Flat' by our expedition, is covered with this species, very pure and little mixed with other plants. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Abundant, covering the flat on the east side of the valley in company with Eurotia lanata, and ranging thence up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder nearly to Pigeon Spring (alti- tude 2,040 meters or 6,700 feet). Valley between Mount Magruder and Gold Mountain. — ISTot abundant, but found in company with Artemisia tridentata, Grayia sjnnosa, Atri- -plex confertifolia, and Tetradymia glabrata. Grapevine Canon. — Tolerably common in the upper part of the canon. Sarcouatus Flat. — Common in northern part. Oasis Valley. — Common in the upper part of the valley above 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) and ranging thence westerly. Emigrant Valley. — One of the commonest plants of the bottom (alti- tude a little above 1,525 meters or 5,000 feet), and ranging thence easterly up on the Timpahute Mountains to 1,680 meters (5,500 feet). Timpahute Valley. — One of the principal plants. Pahranagat Valley. — Common on the higher levels above 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). In places on the west side of the valley it reaches 2,440 meters or 5,300 feet (on the east slope of the Pahranagat Mountains). Desert Valley. — The dominant plant in the gravelly soil surrounding the dry lake. Meadow Greek Valley. — Common below 1,770 meters (5,800 feet), on the west slope of the Juniper Plateau. 316 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [So. 7. Artemisia arbuscula. This sage, which grows at greater elevations than most species, was found in Nevada on the summit of the Pahrauagat Mountains and on Mount Magruder. Artemisia filifolia. This species was rare in the region traversed, but was found cover- ing a large flat near St.. George in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah. It differs widely from the other species of the genus, its long linear or filiform whitish leaves giving it a peculiarly soft and beautiful appear- ance. Peuceaphyllum schottii. This large shrub, resembling a Bir/elovia in general aspect, was found in many of the dry washes on the lower parts of the desert ranges and in some of the higher valleys. It is common in Owens Valley, Califor- nia, where it ranges up on the east slope of the Sierra to 1,550 meters (about 5,100 feet). On the opposite side of the valley it reaches up on the west slope of the White Mountains to about 1,980 meters (6,500 feet). It is common also on the Panamint Mountains, California, in the Muddy Mountains, Nevada, and in many other localities. Tetradymia canescens. This species is common on many of the higher levels, particularly on the desert ranges. In Nevada it was common on Mount Magruder; in the upper part of Pahranagat Valley; in the Juniper Mountains (between Meadow Creek, Nevada, and the Escalante Desert, Utah) ; and in Utah in the upper part of the Santa Clara Valley (mixed with the true sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata). Tetradymia glabrata. This fine species was not seen in the southern deserts traversed iu going from Panamint and Death valleys across southern Nevada to Utah, but was found in a number of places on the return trip, which was a little further north and covered higher ground. Before going to seed it may be easily recognized by its deep-green cylindrical branches, which are nearly vertical. It was found between the east slope of the Sierra in Owens Valley, California, and Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common, ranging up to 1,550 meters (5,100 feet) on the west slope. NEVADA. Valley between Gold Mountain and Mount Magruder. — Occurs spar- ingly in this valley with Artemisia tridentata, Grayia spinosa and other brush. Grapevine Canon. — Pound in the upper part of the canon. Mat.1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 317 Sarcobatus Flai. — Tolerably common in places in tlie northern part of the flat. Oasis Valley. — Scarce. Found sparingly above 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). Emigrant Valley. — Common on the higher slopes and ranging thence easterly over the west slope of the Desert Mountains. Timpaliute Valley. — One of the principal plants ranging easterly to the summit of the pass over the Pahranagat Mountains (1,830 meters or 6,000 feet.) Pahranagat Valley. — Tolerably common in dry places, running up to 1,650 meters (5,400 feet) on the west side of the valley (Pahranagat Mountain side) with T. spinosa and Grayia spinosa. Some of it was in full flower May 22-26, though it was mostly in bud at that date. Desert Valley. — Ranges throughout the low pass across the Highland Range between Meadow Creek and Desert valleys. Meadow CreeJc Valley. — Common, ranging easterly for about 13 kilo- meters (8 miles) east of Panaca, where it was first seen. This point constitutes the easternmost limit of the range of the species so far as observed by us. Tetradymia spinosa. This elegant bush, with conspicuous long straw-yellow spines, is com- mon on many of the higher levels in the southern part of the Great Basin. In early spring when the foliage is freshest it is very hand- some, and later in the season when in fruit and covered with its white woolly tufts of soft feathery plumes it is still more beautiful. It was found in the following localities : CALIFORNIA. ^Yal]ier Pass. — Tolerably common among the tree yuccas on the east side of the pass as high up as 1,430 meters (4,700 feet); found also on the west slope between 1,250 and 1,400 meters (4,100 and 4,600 feet). Kern Valley. — Common on northerly exposures as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet). Owens Valley. — Common along the west side of the valley, where it ranges up the east slope of the Sierra opposite Lone Pine to 1,830 or 1,890 meters (6,000 to 6,200 feet). On the opposite side of the valley it ranges up the White Mountain slope to 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) or higher. Deep Spring Valley. — Occurs in the bottom of the valley with Grayia spinosa, Menodora spinosa, Eurotia lanata, Daleas, and a few others (alti- tude about 1,675 meters or 5,500 feet). NEVADA. Gold Mountain. — Common on the south slope above 1,675 meters (5,500), and on the north slope below 2,135 meters (7,000 feet). Oasis Valley. — Common on gravel soil at the head of the valley at an altitude of about 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). 318 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Emigrant Valley.— Found on the east side of the valley, ranging thence over the lower parts of the Desert and Tiinpahute mountains. Timpahute Valley.— Common on the higher levels, and ranges up on the Pahranagat Mountain slope to the summit of the divide at 1,830 meters (6,000 feet). On the west side of the valley it begins at 1,460 meters (4,800 feet) and ranges up on the Timpahute Mountains. Pahranagat Valley.— Common in places, generally on gravel soil, ascending on the west side of the valley (east slope of Pahranagat Mountains) to 1,645 meters (5,400 feet). Highland Range.— Found sparingly on the west slope. Charleston Mountains.— On the west slope of the Charleston Mountains Tetradymia spinosawas found in a zone between 1,340 and 1,765 meters .(4,400-5,800 feet). UTAH. Beaver dam Mountains. — Occurs sparingly. Tetradymia comosa (or stenolepis). This beautiful shrub, which may be recognized at a distance by its whiteness, is common in part of the region traversed. It was found in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common in the higher parts of the valley, ranging up on the west side opposite Lone Pine to 1,520 or 1,550 meters (5,000 or 5,100 feet.) Walker Pass. — Occurs on the east side of the pass where it was seen at 1,250 meters (4,100 feet). Kern Valley. — Found on northerly exposures as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet.) Mohave Desert. — Pound in places, ranging westward nearly to Wil- low Spring in Antelope Valley, and extending northward through the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehachapi. Arctostaphylos glauca. In Cajon Pass this manzanita begins at about 670 meters (2,200 feet) and ranges up to the summit of the pass. Arctostaphylos pungens. This species of manzanita was found on the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, near Mountain Spring, and on the east slope of theBeaverda in Mountains in Utah, from 1,100 to 1,300 meters (3,600 to 4,300 feet) alti- tude. It was not found on any of the other desert ranges. Note. — Other species of manzanita are common on both slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, and on the coast ranges. Menodora spinescens. The beautiful little bush provisionally referred to this species, but which may have been Menodora scoparia, grows in dense tufts over many of the higher desert levels, where it is easily recognized by the Mat.1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 310 peculiar green of its foliage and by the circumstance that it fruits early and its large greeu berries ;ire distributed in pairs along the branches, growing sessile, one on each side of the stem. It was found in the fol- lowing localities: CALIFORNIA. Deep Spring Valley. — Occurs in company with Grayia, IBurotia, Dalea, Lycium, and Tetradymia spinosa; altitude about 1,080 meters (5,500 feet). NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Common on the upper levels, ranging up on the northwest side of Mount Magruder to 1,950 meters (0,100 feet). Gold Mountain. — Common on the south slope, ranging upward from 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). Oasis Valley. — Occurs sparingly above 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Indian Spring Valley. — Tolerably common throughout the valley. Timpahute Valley. — One of the- principal plants. Pahranagat Valley. — Rather common on gravelly soil above an alti- tude of 1,190 meters (3,900 feet); on the west side of the valley (Pah- ranagat Mountain slope) it ranges up to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). It was heavily laden with fruit May 22-26. Charleston Mountains. — On the west slope of the Charleston Moun- tains Menodora spinosa ranges from about l,525meters (5,000 feet) down to the upper levels of Pahrump Valley. NOTE. — Another species of Menodora, considerably larger than the one above mentioned (perhaps true spinescens), was found on the divide south of Pahranagat Lake, Nevada, at an altitude of about 1,150 meters (3,800 feet). Fraxiuus coriacea. This ash was observed in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common in open groves along Cottonwood and Ash creeks on the west side of Owens Lake, where it was heavily laden with fruit June 19. Another and very distinct species occurs in company with F. coriacea and was in fruit on the same date. NEVADA. Ash Meadows. — Ash .Meadows takes its name from the circumstance that this small ash is common about many of the warm springs. Ash Meadows is the type locality of the species. Upper Cottonwood Springs. — Small ash trees, supposed to be this spe- cies, are common with the desert willows [Chilopsis linearis) along the Upper Cottonwood Springs at the east baseof the Charleston Mountains. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — A small ash, supposed to be this species, is com- mon along the banks of the Lower Santa Clara River, where it occurs in company with F. anomala, the latter reaching the Santa Clara from the neighboring slope of the Beaverdam Mountains. 320 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. P*o.fc Fiaxinus anomala. This single-leaved dwarf ash was found near Mountain Springs on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, from 1,600 to 1,760 meters (5,300 to 5,800 feet); and on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, Utah, from an altitude of 1,275 meters (4,200 feet) down to the Lower Santa Clara Valley, where it occurs along the river with an- other species believed to be F. coriacea. \i Eriodictyon tomentosum. This species was common iu the Canada de las Uvas, California, par- ticularly on north and east exposures, and was found also on the south slope of the Sierra Liebre along the Valley of Peru Creek. Lycium andersoni. The members of the genus Lycium rank among the characteristic bushes of the Great Basin in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. They rarely inhabit the lower deserts, but are found plentifully on the upper levels and on many of the desert ranges. They are not social plants, but occur here and there among the other kinds of desert brush. Their flowers are usually greenish yellow and inconspicuous. The ber- ries of L. andersoni are brownish in color, acid, and rather pleasant, suggesting currants. This species, which is the smallest of the genus, was found in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Antelope Valley (west end of Mohave Desert). — A little was seen be- tween Mohave and Willow Spring. It occurs also along the northwest edge of the Mohave Desert, and ascends the open canon leading up to Tehachapi Valley as high as 1,030 meters (3,400 feet). Walker Pass and Kern Valley. — Runs up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) on the east slope. On the west slope it was observed from 1,220 meters (a little over 4,000 feet) down to 820 meters (2,700 feet) in the valley of Kern River. Owens Valley. — Occurs sparingly on the west side of the valley, rang- ing up to 1,525 or 1,550 meters (5,000 or 5,100 feet) on the Sierra slope opposite Lone Pine. Deep Spring Valley. — Occurs in company with Grayia, Eurotia, Dalca fremonti, I). polyadcnia, Menodora spinosa, Tetradymia spinosa, Artem- isia spinescens, and Atriplex canescens. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Found on the east side of the valley, whence it ranges up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder as high as 1,860 meters (6,100 feet). Meadow Creek Valley. — Common in places, and ranging up to 1,765 meters (5,800 feet) on the west slope of the Juniper Range. Grapevine Canon. — Occurs at the upper end of the canon near Sar- cobatus Flat. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 321 Oasis Valley. — Bather common, beginning at the foot of the valley at 1,140 meters (3,750 feet), and following- the bottom to the head of the valley. Amargosa Desert. — Occurs sparingly, mixed with the upper edge of the Larrea. Indian Spring Valley. — Common; berries ripe May 20. Emigrant Valley. — Common, and runs up on the west slope of the Desert Mountains to the divide near Summit or Mud Spring. Timpahute Valley. — One of the principal plants. Pahranagat Valley. — Common on dry gravelly levels, mixed with other shrubs. Extends up from the valley to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet) or higher on the Pahranagat Mountains, Fruit ripening May 22-26. Pah roc Plain. — Rather common, mixed with Grayia spinosa, Eurotia lanata, and Atriplex canescens. UTAH. . Beaver dam Mountains.- — Tolerably common on the east slope, ranging up to 1,100 meters (3,000 feet), and down to the Santa Clara Valley. Lycium cooperi. This large species was found in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in the upper levels, reaching west in Ante- lope Valley nearly to Willow Spring, and extending northward through- out the open canon leading up to Tehachapi. Tehachapi Valley. — Occurs in places, coming from the Mohave Desert and extending northward sparingly into Tehachapi Pass. Kern Valley. — Occurs on northerly exposures down to 820 meters (2,700 feet). Owens Valley. — Common in large clumps on the west side of the val- ley, ranging up on the Sierra slope as high as 1,830 or 1,890 meters (6,000 or 6,200 feet) opposite Lone Pine, aud common iu places all the way south to Haway Meadows and the Mohave Desert. Panamint Mountains. — Commou iu places. NEVADA. Gold Mountain. — Occurs sparingly on the north slope (collected). Amargosa Desert. — Found mixed with the Larrea in the upper part of the Larrea zone. Oasis Valley. — Occurs. Mount Magruder. — Found near Pigeon Spring, on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder. Lycium torreyi. This large species was collected in fruit in the Muddy Valley near St. Thomas, Nevada, where it was common in dry parts of the valley, and also in the Valley of the Virgin (nearly out of flower May 6). Iu Utah it was found iu the Santa Clara Valley. 12731— Ko. 7 21 322 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Lycium pallidum. This large species, which has large trumpet shaped flowers and large leaves, is common in the Upper Santa Clara Valley, Utah, about 8 miles northwest of St. George, at an altitude of 1,275 meters (4,200 feet), ranging thence up to or above the Upper Santa Clara crossing. It was collected on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mouutains, where it runs up to 1,090 meters (3,000 feet). A large species, probably the same, was found on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, from 730 up to 1,340 meters (2,400 to 4,400 feet). Note. — Lyciums were found in a number of localities not mentioned under the four species above enumerated for the reason that doubt at- taches to the identification of the species. In many places two kiuds were found growing together. One or more species were found in the following localities: Leach Point Valley, and Perognathus Flat (in the Panamint Moun- tains), California; Pahrump Valley, Iudiau Spring Valley, and High- land Kange, Nevada; Beaverdam Mountains and Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah. Chilopsis linearis. Mr. Bailey and I did not find the desert willow in California or west- ern Nevada, but encountered it for the first' time at Upper Cottonwood Springs, at the east foot of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, where it was common. It was common also at Bitter Springs in the Muddy Mouutains, Nevada; at the point where Beaverdam Creek joins the Virgin in northwestern Arizona; on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains in Utah, where it reaches an altitude of 1,280 meters (4,200 feet), and in the Lower Santa Clara Valley. Mr. F. V. Coville informs me that he found it in California, on the Mohave River, near Daggett. Salvia carnosa. This species was noted in the following localities in California: Walker Pass. — Common up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) on the east side of the pass. Kern Valley. — Common down to 820 meters (2,700 feet), or lower on northerly exposures. Antelope Valley. — Abundant in places in a wash leading south from near Gorman Station toward Peru Creek; still lower down it is mixed with Audibertia alba. Salvia pilosa [=^ Audibertia pilosa']. This small-leaved species (until recently known as Audibertia incana pilosa) was found at the following localities: NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common in the neighborhood of Mountain Spring, from about 1,525 to 1,770 meters (5,000 to 5,800 feet). Mat, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 323 Pahroc Mountain's. — Found near Pahroc Spring. Highland Range. — Common on the west slope. Juniper Mountains. — Collected at an elevation of 1,680 meters (5,500 feet). UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Abundant and in full flower May 10-11; ranges down to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) ou the east slope, and to 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) on the west slope. Note. — A large-leaved species of Audibertia was found on several of the desert ranges. On the north slope of Gold Mountain a species was found as high as 2,100 meters (7,000 feet). Salazaria mexicana. This small shrub, which presents a very odd appearance when cov- ered with its large inflated gibbous pods, is common in many parts of the desert region. It was noted in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in many places, reaching westward to Ante- lope Valley, and entering the mouth of Walker Pass, and also of the pass leading from Mohave to Tehachapi, where it attains an altitude of 1,035 meters (3,400 feet). NEVADA. Gold Mountain. — Found on the south slope of Gold Mountain, be- ginning at an altitude of 1,550 meters (5,100 feet) aud ranging upward. Oasis Valley. — A little is found in Oasis Valley above 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Indian Spring Valley. — Common throughout the valley. (Covered with inflated gibbous fruit globes May 29). Pahranagat Valley. — Not found in the valley proper, but tolerably common on the divide south of Pahranagat Lake (altitude 1,150 meters, or 3,800 feet), and on the west side, of the valley at the east foot of the Pahranagat Mountains above an altitude of 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). Charleston Mountains. — Common on the west slope, ranging up from Pahrump Valley to 1,580 meters (5,200 feet), and on the east slope up to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). Muddy Mountains. — Common on east slope at an altitude of 600 to 760 meters (2,000 to 2,500 feet). UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs sparingly in the valley, disappearing on the north side between 1,220 and 1,280 meters (4,000 and 4,200 feet). Beaverdam Mountains. — Common on the lower slopes, ranging up to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) on the east slope, and up to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) on the west slope. Atriplex confertifolia. Atriplex confertifolia is the most characteristic species of desert brush on the clayey alkaline soils of the Upper Sonoran zone, from the Snake 324 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Plains of Idaho southward, and reaches downward into the Lower So- noran also. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in suitable parts of the desert, and found as far west as a point a little north of Willow Spring, in Antelope Valley. Owens Valley. — The commonest plant throughout a large part of Owens Valley, predominating over all other species; particularly abun- dant on suitable soil from Big Pine southward to a point 9 miles south of Owens Lake. On the east side of the valley it reaches up on the White and Inyo mountains to about 1,980 meters (0,500 feet) in the latitude of Big Pine. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Very abundant, and ranging thence up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder in the wash leading to Pigeon Spring as high as 1,950 meters (6,400 feet), where it grows in company with Sarcobatus vermieulatus and Stanley a pinnata. Valley between Mount Magruder and Gold Mountain. — Common, and mixed with Artemisia tridentata, Grayia spinosa, Tetradymia glabrata, and other species. Grapevine Canon. — Abundant. Sarcobatus Flat. — The southern half of Sarcobatus Flat is covered with this species, very pure and free from admixture with other plants. To the north it becomes invaded by Atriplex parryi, A. cancscens, Arte- misia spinescens, Tetradymia glabrata, Grayia spinosa, and several other shrubs. Oasis Valley. — Common throughout the valley, but disappearing abruptly at the south end, and not seen on the Amargosa Desert. Ash Meadoics. — The commonest plant on the dry, alkali soil, stopping with the alkali flat at the south end of the Amargosa Desert proper. Indian Spring Valley. — Common ' about the large dry lake at the junction of the north arm with the main valley. ■ F migrant Valley. — One of the commonest plants in the bottom at an altitude of a little more than 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) and extending thence easterly up the west slope of the Desert Range to 1,675 meters (5,500 feet) or higher. Timpahute Desert. — One of the principal plants. Paliranagat Valley. — Abundant in large patches on the bottoms and lower gravel slopes, and in the lower part of the wash coming into Pahranagat Valley from Pahroc Plain; ranges up on the west side of the valley to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet). .Desert Valley. — Common in the flat bordering the dry lake. Meadow Greek Valley. — Abundant in the flat along the creek. Pah rump Valley. — Very abundant on the flats in the bottom of the valley. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 325 Virgin and Lower Muddy Valleys. — Common oil the dry bottoms. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Common in places in the lower valley. Atriplex parryi. This species apparently has the most restricted range of any of the shrubby forms of the genus. In California it was found in parts of Owens Valley between Big Pine and Lone Pine, and also along the west side of Owens Lake." In Ash Meadows, on the boundary between California and Nevada, it is one of the commonest bushes, covering the alkali Hats and reaching north to the gravel Larrea plain that marks the beginning of the Amargosa Desert proper, where it ends abruptly because the soil is unsuitable. It reappears iu Oasis Valley (beginning in the canon at the foot of the valley at an altitude of 1,140 meters or 3,750 feet) where it extends all the way along the bottom, asso- ciated with Atriplex confertifolia, A. canescens,&ud Sarcobatus vermicula- tus. A little was found at the bottom of Grapevine Canon about a mile and a half from its east mouth, whence it extends easterly over' the north part of Sarcobatus Flat, where, however, it is not abundant. Atriplex hyrnenelytra. This striking species, which grows on salty and alkaline soil in the Lower Sonoran zone, is not widely distributed over the deserts of southern California and Nevada. It is common in Death Valley, Panamint Valley, and Ash Meadows, and also in places in the Muddy and Virgin valleys in eastern Nevada, but was not found in Oasis Valley or in any of the other valleys of southern Nevada. Atriplex polycarpa. Of all the greasewoods, Atriplex polycarpa is the most distinctive of the lower division of the Lower Sonoran Zone, occupying the bottoms of tlie lowest deserts, and never occurring above, if as high as, the upper edge of the Larrea. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in suitable bottoms; the principal brush on the clay flat a few miles west of Willow Spring, in Antelope Valley. Owens Valley. — One of the commonest shrubs in the lower part of the valley from Lone Pine south to Haway Meadows (about 10 kilometers, or 10 miles, south of Owens Lake). NEVADA. Grapevine Canon. — Grows in the bottom of the canon about a mile and a half from Sarcobatus Flat. Oasis Valley. — Common in the lower part of the valley. Pahranagat Valley. — Not found in Pahranagat Valley proper, but common on the flat south of Pahranagat Lake at an altitude of about 1,070 meters (3,500 feet). Virgin and Lower Muddy valleys. — Common on dry bottoms. 326 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Pahrump Valley. — Common 011 the east side of the valley in the Larrea belt. Atriplex canescens. Atriplex canescens is one of the commonest and most generally dis- tributed grease woods of the Lower Sonoran Zone. It is abundant from the western arm of the Mohave Desert (Antelope Valley) in California to the foot of the Hurricane Cliffs in western Utah and Arizona. The following notes on its distribution were recorded. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Abundant over most parts of the desert where the soil is alkaline and clayey. It reaches the extreme western end of An- telope Valley near Gorman Station, and occurs in the wash leading thence southerly toward Peru Creek, at an altitude of about 7C0 meters (2,500 feet). Tehachapi Valley. — Tolerably common, coming in from the Mohave Desert through the open canon at Cameron; seen also in Tehachapi Pass. WalJcer Pass. — Runs up the east side of Walker Pass from the Mo- have Desert to an altitude of about 1,425 meters (4,700 feet). Owens Valley. — Common along the bottom and east side of Owens Valley up to about 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) along the west foot of the White and Inyo mountains; abundant in the narrow valley for about 9 miles south of Owens Lake. Beep Spring Valley. — Grows in the bottom of the valley with Gray in spinosa, Tetradymta spinosa, Menodora svinosa, Dalea polyadenia, D.fremonti, Lyeium andersoni, Eurotia lanata, and Artemisia spinescens. NEVADA. Fish Lalce Valley. — Common in the bottom of Fish Lake Valley on the boundary between California and Nevada, and ranges thence up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder nearly to Pigeon Spring, reach- ing an altitude of 1,980 or 2,010 meters (6,500 or 6,600 feet). Sarcobatus Flat. — Common in the northern part of the flat. Grapevine Canon. — Found in the bottom of this broad and open canon about a mile or a mile and a half west of Sarcobatus Flat. Oasis Valley. — Common, beginning in the canon at the foot of the valley at an altitude of about 1,150 meters (3,750 feet), and growing in company with Atriplex confertifolia, A. parryi, and Sarcobatus vermicu- latus. Indian Spring Valley. — Common about the dry lake a little north of the point where the north arm of Indian Spring Valley joins the main valley. Emigrant Valley.— Common, and ranges thence easterly to the sum- mit of the Desert Mountains near Mud Spring. Timpahute Valley.— One of the principal plants; ranges easterly up the west slope of the Pahranagat Mountains to the divide. Mat,1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 327 Pahranagat Valley. — Abundant on most of the dry parts of the bot- tom and on gravel slopes, and ranging up a little above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) on the west or Pahranagat Mountain side (much of it in flower May 22-20). Desert Valley. — Common in places with Artemisia spinescens and Eurotia lanata. Pahroc Plain. — Common, mixed with Grayia, Eurotia, and Lyciitm andersoni, and ranging as high as 1,080 meters (6,500 feet) on the Pahroc Mountains. Meadow Creek Valley. — Common, and ranging up to 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) on west slope of Juniper Plateau. Virgin and Lower Muddy valleys. — Common in the dryer parts of the valleys. Pahrump Valley. — The most abundant brush on the alkaline bottoms, whence it ranges up the west slope of the Charleston Mountains to about 1,700 meters (5,600 feet). UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Common in places in the lower part of the valley. Atriplex lentiformis. This large species is not so generally distributed as most of the other members of the genus, and in places it may have been confounded with A. torreyi, from which it is not always easily distinguishable. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Pound growing north of Willow Spring, in Antelope Valley. Amargosa Canon. — Rather common with A. torreyi. NEVADA. Oasis Valley. — A few clump s seen. Pahranagat Valley. — Common in patches on suitable soil, usually sand or fine gravel; generally rank and large. Virgin and Lower Muddy valleys. — Common in dry parts of the val- leys; sometimes in company with A. torreyi. Great Bend of the Colorado River. — Occurs on the sand banks on the south side of Vegas Wash. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Grows in the lower part of the valley. Atriplex torreyi. Atriplex torreyi is the largest species of the genus and grows in iso- lated localities throughout the Lower Souoran zone. Small bushes are sometimes difficult to distinguish from A. lentiformis. CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — A little was seen on the west side of Owens Lake, and a few patches in the narrow valley between Owens Lake and Haway Meadows. 328 NORTH AMEKICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Amargosa Canon. — Abundant, forming dense thickets. NEVADA. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Common in places in the dryer parts of the valley. Near an abandoned mill at St. Joe, on the Muddy, it forms dense and impenetrable thickets and grows to immense size, single bushes attaining a height of 4 J to 5 J meters (15 to 18 feet), with trunks 150 millimeters (about 6 inches) in diameter. Pahranagat Valley. — A few scattering patches of rather small size were found. UTAH. ■ Santa Clara Valley. — Grows in the lower valley. Grayia spinosa [^Grayiapolygaloides]. Grayia spinosa is one of the most characteristic bushes of the upper division of the Lower Sonoran Zone in the deserts of the southern part of the Great Basin. Owing to the peculiar green of its leaves and their tendency to 'assume a pinkish tint, it is easily distinguishable from the other brush with which it is associated. It was recorded from the fol- lowing localities: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Grayia is common in many of the higher levels of the Mohave Desert. It was found as far west as Antelope Valley a short distance east of Willow Spring, and a little was seen in the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehachapi. Walker Pass. — In Walker Pass it extends up the east slope from the Mohave Desert to an altitude of 1,330 meters (4,400 feet) or higher. Owens Valley. — Common and ranges up oh the west side (Sierra Ne- vada slope) to 1,525 or 1,550 meters (5,000 or 5,100 feet). On the opposite or White Mountain slope it ranges up to 1,980 meters (G,5D0 feet). Deep Spring Valley. — Found in the bottom of the valley with Tetra- dymia spinosa, Menodora spinosa, Atriplex canescens, Dalea polyadenia, D.fremonti, Artemisia sjrinescens, Lycium andersoni, and Eurotia lanata. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Abundant, ranging up nearly to Pigeon Spring on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder, at an altitude of 1,080 to 2,040 meters (0,500 to G,700 feet). Valley between Gold Mountain and Mount Magruder. — Common, mixed with Artemisia tridentata, Tetradymia glabrata, Atriplex confertifoHa, and a little Artemisia spineseens. Gold Mountain. — Common below 2,135 meters (7,000 feet) altitude on the north slope, and down to 1,675 meters (5,500 feet) on the south slope. Sarcohatus Flat. — Tolerably common in places in the northern part of the flat. Oasis Valley. — Not common. Found from 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) up- wards. May, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 329 Tim palt ute Va lley. — Scarce. Pahranagat Valley.— Abundant on the gravel slopes and on dry gravel soil in the bottom of the valley and thence up to 1,645 meters (5,400 feet) on the west side (east slope Pahranagat Mountains). In fruit May 22-26. Pahroc Plain. — Abundant on the gravel slopes, where it is the pre- vailing bush all the way from Pahroc Spring to Pahranagat Valley. Desert Valley. — Abundant, in places forming large patches by itself unmixed with other species, and continuous with that of Pahroc Plain. Meadow Greek Valley. — Common, mixed with the sage brush, and ranging up to 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) on the west slope of the Juniper Plateau, but this is above its usual limit. Charleston Mountains. — Found on the east slope below 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). UTAH. Beaver dam Mountains. — Found on the east slope of the mountains from 1,095 meters (3,600 feet) down into the valley. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs in the lower valley, but disappears at about 1,220 to 1,280 meters (4,000 to 4,200 feet) on the north side of the valley (south exposure). Eurotia lanata. This well-known species, which is a valuable food plant for sheep, and is also eaten by horses, is common thro ughout the sage plains of Idaho and Nevada, and was found on many of the higher levels of the deserts traversed by the expedition. In the north it is commonly known as 'white sage,' but is a widely different plant from the so-called ' white sage' of the coastal slope and coast ranges of southern Cali- fornia, the latter being Audibertia alba. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common on the upper levels and extending up to 1,035 meters (3,400 feet), in the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehaehapi Valley. Owens Valley. — Common among the sagebrush, and ranging up to a little above 1,550 meters (5,100 feet) on the Sierra slope. Deep Spring Valley. — Tolerably common, with Grayia spinosa, Meno- dora spinosa, Tetradymia spinosa, Dalea fremonti, D. polyadenia, Arte- misia spinescens, Lycium andersoni, and Atriplex canescens (altitude about 1,680 meters or 5,500 feet). NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Abundant 911 the east side of the valley, ranging up to Pigeou Spring on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder (alti- tude 2,040 meters or 6,700 feet). Sarcobatus Flat. — Tolerably common in places in the northern part of the flat. 330 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. t^o.l Oasis Valley. — Common on the gravel slopes at the head of the valley at an altitude of about 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). Emigrant Valley . — One of the commonest plants in the bottom of the valley at an altitude of 1,525 meters (a little above 5,000 feet). Timpahute Valley. — One of the principal plants. Pahroc Plain. — Common, mixed with Grayia spinosa, Lycium ander- soni, and Atriplex canescens. Desert Valley.— This valley is a remarkably typical Eurotia plain, thousands of acres between Pahroc Mountains and the Highland Eauge showing no other plant. Meadoiv Creelc Valley. — Extensive tracts (comprising many acres) are covered with this species alone. Juniper Mountains {between Panaea, Nevada, and Shoal Creelc, Utah). — Common in places among the sage and juniper. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Eather common in places. Allenrolfea occidentalis [= Spyrostachys occidentalism. This small, scrubby plant (commonly known as Spyrostachys occi- dentalis) can endure more alkali and salt in the soil than any other species, and consequently is abundant on many of the salt flats where no other species grows. In Death Valley it forms a distinct border around the salt flat; and it occurs in similar soils easterly as far as the valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. Suaeda suffrutescens. Suceda suffrutescens is a saline plant, requiring both salt and alkali in the soil in which it thrives. It can not stand so much salt as Allen- rolfea, and consequently is found outside of the Allenrolfea belt around the true salt flats. It was recorded from the following localities: NEVADA. Grapevine Canon. — Common in places. Sarcobatus Flat. — Common in places in the northern part of the flat. Oasis Valley. — Common throughout the bottom of the valley. Pahranagat Valley. — Common in the lower part of the valley. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Abundant on the salt flats. Indian Spring Valley. — Common about the dry lake at the base of the north arm of Indian Spring Valley. Sarcobatus baileyi.* This new species of Sarcobatus, the second known in the genus, was first discovered by Mr. Vernon Bailey in the Candelaria salt marshes near Columbus, Nev., in wiuter. It was afterward found by Mr. Bailey and myself in Sarcobatus Flat, on the west side of the Ealston Desert, where it was common and in full fruit June 2, and on the east side of Fish Lake Valley, where it forms a narrow zone at an altitude 'Coville, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., vol. vn, May 18, 1892, pp. 77-78. May, 1893] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 331 of about 2,010 meters (G,600 feet). It grows on gravel soil, while S. vermiculatus, as well known, grows on alkaline clayey soils. Sarcobatus vermiculatus. This characteristic desert shrub grows on clayey alkaline soils through- out the Upper Souoran Zone, descending in places into the Lower Sonorau. It was observed in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Owens Valley. — Common on the alkaline flats in the narrow valley between Owens Lake aud Haway Meadows, and in places on the west side of the valley between Owens Lake and Lone Pine. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — The most conspicuous plant on the mud flat in tho bottom of the valley, whence it extends easterly on suitable soils to an altitude of 2,010 meters (6,700 feet) in the wash leading up to Pigeon Spring on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder. Sarcobatus Flat. — Abundant on the clayey soil, growing on clay dunes as high as a man's head or higher. These Sarcobatus dunes were not found elsewhere and were such a peculiar feature of this desert that the name Sarcobatus Flat was given it on this account. Oasis Valley. — Common throughout the bottom of the valley along with Atriplex confertifolia and A. parry i. Pahranagat Valley. — Abounds throughout the clayey mud flats of the valley up to an altitude of about 1,280 meters (1,200 feet), and is distinguishable at a distance from the other shrubs by its peculiar green color. Meadow Greek Valley. — Common along the bottom. Desert Valley. — Common in large patches on the flat bordering the dry lake. UTAH. Shoal Greek. — Occurs in places on the mud flats bordering the creek. Eriogonum polifolium. This woody Friogvium, the lower part of which is a true bush, is common on the upper levels of many of the deserts and along the bases of many of the desert ranges, where it was recorded from the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common on the higher levels. Antelope Valley. — Common at the extreme west end of Antelope Val- ley in a wash leading south toward Peru Creek. Tehachapi Basin. — Occurs, coining up from the Mohave Desert. Walker Pass. — In Walker Pass it was common up to 1,130 meters (1,700 feet) on the east side; on the west or Kern River side it was found as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet) on northerly exposures. 332 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Owens Valley. — West of Lone Pine this species is common and ranges up on the east slope of the Sierra to about 1,890 meters (6,200 feet). Eriogonum inflatum. This singular species, which was discovered by Fremont in his nota- ble journey across the Mohave Desert in 1844, is common on most of the deserts in the southern part of the Great Basin, from California to Utah, usually occurring on gravelly soil. It is of slight value as a food plant for stock, being devoured by some mules and horses. On the east slope of Willker Pass it ranges up from the Mohave Desert to an altitude of 1,430 meters (4,700 feet). Chorizanthe rigida. This singular little plant nourishes on the hottest gravel beds of the hottest deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona, aud southwestern Utah, where it flowers in the early spring. It -is the only species besides the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) that grows on many of the black peb- ble beds which become so hot in the sun that all ordinary plants would be baked in a few moments. It was recorded in the following locali- ties: CALIFORNIA. Pandmint Valley. — Common in places. Death Valley. — Common on the gravel slopes. NEVADA. Amargosa Desert. — Common, and over large areas the only plant growing with the Larrea on the hot pebble beds. Grapevine Canon. — Common, coming up from the northwest arm of Death Valley and ranging upward on the southwest slope of Mount Magruder as high as 1,830 meters (G,000 feet). Oasis Valley. — Rather common. Indian Spring Valley. — Common on the black pebble beds. . UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Common on the warm gravel slopes. Platanus occidentals. The sycamore was not found by us in the Great Basin, but is common in southern California. It grows in considerable abundance in the valley and gorge that the road follows in leading up from Oaliente toward Walker Basin (on the west slope of the divide), where it ranges up from the valley to an altitude of 820 meters (2,700 feet). It was common also in the upper part of Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains, where it was coining into leaf March 30. Betula occidentalis. The western birch is common along some of the mountain streams on the west side of Owens Valley at the foot of the Sierra. May, 1893.] TREES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 333 Alnus rhombifolia. This alder, which grows to be a large tree, 9 meters (30 feet) or more in height, with a tall compact trunk, is common in the valley of the Kern Biver, on the west side of the Sierra in California. Quercus undulata. This evergreen scrub oak was found in the following localities : NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common in scattered patches near Mountain Spring, and down on the west slope to 1,520 meters (5,000 feet). Juniper Mountains. — Common in places in the juniper between Panaca, Nevada, and Shoal Creek, Utah. UTAH. Upper Santa Clara Valley. — Found in patches in the Upper Santa Clara Valley, beginning about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of St. George, at an altitude of about 1,275 meters (4,200 feet) and ranging northward through Diamond Valley to the Upper Santa Clara Cross- ing and Mountain Meadows. Beaver dam Mountains. — Occurs in places on the east slope between 1,100 and 1,300 meters (3,600 to 4,600 feet). Quercus gambelii. The Desert Bange scrub oak was found in the following localities : NEVADA. Juniper Mountains. — Found sparingly from Shoal Creek, Utah, across the Juniper Mountain Plateau in eastern Nevada. UTAH. Mountain Meadows. — Common in scattered patches from the Upper Santa Clara Crossing northward to and beyond Mountain Meadows. Quercus lobata. The white oak is common in the Canada de las Uvas, California, par- ticularly on the grounds immediately about Old Fort Tejon, where it grows to a great and unusual size. Many trees near the old fort meas- ure 6 meters (20 feet) or more in circumference a meter or more (3 or 4 feet) above the ground, and one measures 8 meters (26 feet 4 inches). A colony of purple martens (Progne subis hesperia) was found breed- ing in holes high up in these oaks at the time of our visit, the last week in June, 1891. Quercus lobata is common also about the borders of Tehachapi Valley. One we measured near summit, in the west end of the valley, was about 2 meters (6 feet) in diameter 2 meters (6 feet) above ground (circumference 5.8 meters or 19 feet 1 inch). Quercus douglasii. The blue oak is common in Kern Valley and thence southerly along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada to Walker Basin and Caliente. Between the two last-mentioned localities it forms open groves on the 334 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. grassy hilltops, particularly along the main divide. It is common also at Liebre ranch, on the south side of Antelope Valley, which it reaches from the adjoining Sierra Liebre. Quercus wislizeni. This live oak is common along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, in California, and thence southward. Quercus kelloggii. Common on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, where Mr. Bailey found it occupying a zone between the altitudes of 1,470 aud 2,160 meters (4,900— 7,200 feet) along the East Fork of Kaweah Eiver. Quercus dumosa. Quercus dumosa is the scrub oak of the Sierra Liebre a«nd Coast Eanges generally. It is common on the side hills about Antelope Valley, at the extreme west end of the Mohave desert, and thence down through the Canada de las Uvas. It is common also in Cajon Pass. Castanopsis chrysophylla. The California chinquapin grows abundantly on the east slope of the High Sierra, in a narrow zone between 2,750 and 2,895 meters (9,000 and 9,500 feet) altitude, opposite Lone Pine. Salix longifolia. This small and slender willow forms open thickets about water courses and warm springs in some of the Lower Sonoran deserts. It was found in the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Death Valley. — Common along Furnace Creek, on the east side of Death Valley, mixed with Pluchea sericea. Amargosa Canon. — Found sparingly along the creek in the upper part of the canon. NEVADA. Great Bend of the Colorado. — A slender willow forms extensive thickets along the river on both sides of the Great Bend. Ash Meadows. — Abundant about the hot springs. ARIZONA. Beaverdam Creek. — Small willows are abuudaut on the flats bordering Beaverdam Creek, near its junction with the Virgin, in northwestern Arizona. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Common along the Virgin, near the mouth of the Santa Clara. Salix laevigata. A single tree of this species marks the position of Lone Willow Spring, at the east foot of the Slate Range, near the extreme south end of Panamint Valley, California. Mat, 1893.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 335 Salix nigra. This large and handsome willow tree is common about the large springs at the two ranches in Pahrump Valley, Nevada. Other tree willows (species not determined) were found about the ranches in Pahranagat Valley, Nevada; along streams on the west side of Owens Valley, California, in Kern Biver Valley, and in the lower part of the Canada de las Uvas, below Old Fort Tejon. Populus fremontii. Cottonwood trees grow along some of the permanent water courses of the desert region and are often planted along irrigation ditches in the settlements. They were found at the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Kern Valley. — Common along the river. Mohave Desert. — Common along the Mohave Eiver near Victor, and in a few other places. NEVADA. Pah ra nagat Valley. — Common. Pahrump Valley. — Common about the large springs. Vegas Valley. — Common at Vegas Spring and ranch. Valley of the Virgin and Muddy. — Very abundant along the streams in the Mormon settlements of St. Thomas, Bunkerville, and St. Joe. ARIZONA. Beaver dam Creek. — Abundant, forming a large forest on the flats bordering Beaverdam Creek, near its junctiou with the Virgin. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — Common along the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers. Ephedra nevadensis. This Lower Sonoran species differs conspicuously from the green species of the mountains {Ephedra viridis)hy its olive color. It is com- mon in many of the desert valleys and was noted in the following lo- calities : CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common, reaching west as far as Willow Spring, in Antelope Valley. Tehaehapi Valley. — Tolerably common, coming up from the Mohave Desert through the open canon leading up from near Mohave. Found also in Tehaehapi Pass. Walker Pass. — On the east slope of Walker Pass the olive Ephedra runs up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet), where it disappears and the green species (E. viridis) begins. Kern Valley.— Observed at about 820 meters (2,700 feet). 336 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. NEVADA. Pahrump Valley. — Common, reaching its upper limit on the east side (west slope of Charleston Mountains) at 1,370 meters (4,500 feet). Pahranagat Valley. — Common everywhere on the gravel slopes. Indian Spring Valley. — Common in the north arm. Sarcobatus Flat. — Tolerably common in places. Grapevine Canon. — Found in the bottom of the canon. Emigrant Valley. — Common and ranging well up on the west slope of the Desert Mountains. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Found on the west slope of the JBeaverdam Mountains up to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet), and on the east slope up to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Santa Clara Valley.— Occurs sparingly in the lower part of the valley. Ephreda viridis Coville. This green Ephedra does not occur in any of the Lower Sonoran des- erts, but grows on the mountain sides and plateaus of the Upper Sono- ran and Transition zones with sagebrush {Artemisia tridentata) and juniper (Juniperus californica utahensis). The following notes on its distribution were recorded : CALIFORNIA. . \ Mohave Desert. — Tolerably common at the summit of Cajon Pass and thence along the north base of the San Bernardino Mountains, in the juniper belt. Walker Pass. — On the east slope of Walker Pass this species begins at 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) with Artemisia tridentata and ranges up; on the west slope it is common between 1,250 and 1,400 meters (4,100 and 4,600 feet). Sierra Nevada. — Common on the east (Owens Valley) slope from 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) or higher, down to 1,830 meters (6,000 feet); and still lower in places on the Alabama Kange. White Mountains. — Rather common along the summit. Panamint Mountains. — Common on the higher parts of the range. In the basin above Wild Eose Spring it begins above Coleoggne at 2,740-2,980 meters (6,300-6,500 feet) and runs up to the summit at the west base of Telescope Peak, altitude 2,560 meters (8,400 feet). NEVADA. Mount Ma gruder. — Common over the higher parts of the mountain, ranging all the way up to the summit of the main peak with Artemisia tridentata; occurs also in the upper part of Tule Canon. Gold Mountain. — Common on the summit and ranges down on the south slope to 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) with Artemisia tridentata. Pahranagat Mountains. — Tolerably common. Highland Mange. — Occurs, May, 1893.] TKEES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 337 Charleston Mountains. — Common, ranging down on the west slope to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet). UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common, descending to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) on the west slope, and to 1,100 meters (3,000 feet) on the east slope. Pinus monophylla. Pinns monophylla is the only pine belonging properly to the Great Basin region, where it occupies the summits of the desert ranges in company with Juniperus californica utahensis. It belongs to the Up- per Sonoran and Transition zones, and consequently is absent from the highest peaks of the White and Charleston mountains, whose summits are truly Boreal. It usually begins a few hundred feet above the lower border of the juniper belt and ranges up a little higher than the juniper, though the two are mixed over the greater part of their ranges. In some areas the juniper i)redoininates, as in the Juniper Plateau between Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, and the Escalante Desert in Utah, while in other areas the nut pine predominates, as on Mount Magruder. Finns monophylla is easily distinguished from the piiion of Arizona (Pinus edulis) by its greater size, larger nuts, and single leaf. P. edulis has two leaves. Both species have short and open cones from which the nuts are easily dislodged by shaking. The nuts are eagerly devoured by wild turkeys, piiion jays, and many other species. The nut pine furnishes the most important food of the Indians in- habiting the southern part of the Great. Basin, namely, the Paiutes, Shoshones, and Pauamints, who gather its cones in large quantities and roast them in heaps, after which the nuts are extracted and placed in large caches for winter use. They are eaten in a raw state as well as roasted, and are pounded into hour and baked into a sort of bread. Mount Magruder is notable for the luxuriance of the nut pine for- ests which clothe its higher hills and peaks, and has long been a favorite resort of the Paiute Indians, who speak of it as 'Nut Pine Mountain/ and spend a considerable part of each year there for the sole purpose of collecting the nuts. The trees often attain a height of 12 or even 15 meters (40 to 50 feet) and a diameter of half a meter (nearly 20 inches). The following notes were recorded on the distribu- tion of the nut pine in the region traversed : CALIFORNIA. Sierra Nevada. — On the east slope of the Sierra opposite Lone Pine the nut pine belt ranges from 1,830 to 2,440 meters'(6,000 to 8,000 feet) in width. Waller Pass. — On the east side of Walker Pass it begins a little above 1,430 meters (4,700 feet) on northerly exposures and ranges up over the summit of the pass at 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) and clown on the west slope as low as 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) in places. Tehachapi Mountains. — Common, and ranging down to about 1,130 12731— No. 7 22 338 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. meters (3,700 feet) on the side of the open canon leading from Teha- chapi Valley to the Mohave Desert. Panamint Mountains. — Common with the juniper along the summit of the Panamint Eange. In the basin above Wild Hose Spring on the northwest slope of Telescope Peak it descends to 1,980 or 1,920 meters (6,500 or 6,300 feet), and ranges up on this peak to 2,740 meters (9,000 feet), or higher. Heaps of cones were found in many places in the Pan- amint Mountains, where they had been left by the Indians after the nuts had been extracted. White Mountains. — Common, descending to 2,040 meters (6,700 feet) on the east slope above Deep Spring Valley. NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Common with the juniper, descending on the west slope to about 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). Pahroc Mountains. — Common on the higher parts of the range, and lower down in the canons. Gold Mountain. — Common along the summit, descending on the south side as low at least as 2,070 meters (6,800 feet). Mount Magruder. — As already stated, the nut pine grows in greater abundance on Mount Magruder than in any other locality visited by the expedition, forming handsome forests on many of the knobs and peaks that rise from the mountain plateau, where it is very little mixed with juniper. Juniper Mountains. — Scarce in the dense juniper forest extending from Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, to the Escalante Desert in Utah. UTAH. Upper Santa Clara Valley. — Begins about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north- west of St. George on south exposures at an altitude of about 1,270 meters (4,200 feet) and grows scattering on the side hills in the Upper Santa Clara Valley, ranging thence westerly to the Shoal Creek country. Beaverdam Mountains. — Tolerably common on the Beaverdam Moun- tains, ranging down on the east side to about 1,160 meters (3,800 feet), and on the west slope to about 1,340 meters (4,400 feet). ARIZONA. Virgin Mountains. — On the west side of the Virgin Mountains the nut pine forms a broad zone, mixed with juniper, coming fully halfway down to the foot of the range. Pinus ponderosa. • Mr. Bailey tells me that Pinus ponderosa is common on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada along the East Fork of Kaweah Eiver, grow- ing with Sequoia gigantea in a belt between the altitude of 1,830 and 2,100 meters (6,000 to 7,000 feet). Its range is below that of Pinus jeffreyi. May, 1893.] TREES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 339 Pinus ponderosa scopulorum. The yellow i>ine grows in a broad zone on Charleston Teak, Nevada, and on Pine Valley Mountain, Utah, in both of which localities it is cut for lumber. It is said to be common in the higher parts of the Virgin and Highland ranges. A few scattering trees were found on the higher hills of the Juniper Mountains near Sheep Spring (between Panaca, Nevada, and Shoal Creek, Utah), at an altitude of about 2,010 meters (6,700 feet). Pinus jeffreyi. This large pine is common in the High Sierra in California, ranging upward on the east slope from about 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) to 2,900 meters (9,500 feet). Pinus murrayana. On the High Sierra in California Pinus murrayana, reaches timber- line with P. balfouriana, and ranges down on the east side to an alti- tude of about 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) or lower, growing to be a large tree. Pinus balfouriana. In the High Sierra in California, Pinus balfouriana and P. mur- rayana reach timber-line, whence they descend on the east slope to an altitude of about 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) or a little lower, where they grow to be large trees 15 to 20 meters (50 to 65 feet) in height and a meter or more (3 or 4 feet) in diameter. Pinus aristata. P. aristata was found on the summit of the Panamint Mountains, in California, by Mr. Bailey and Dr. Fisher, and on Charleston Peak, Nevada, by Mr. Coville and Mr. Palmer. A pine of this type was found by Mr. Nelson on the higher parts of the White and Inyo mountains, California, but whether P. aristata or P. balfouriana is not certain. Pinus sabiniana. This remarkable tree, with very open foliage and huge cones, is char- acteristic of the west slope of the Sierra and the Coast Ranges of Cali- fornia, and does not occur anywhere within the Great Basin. It was common along the route traversed from a mile west of the summit of Walker Pass toKernville, and thence southward to Walker Basin, and was found also on the Sierra Liebre, growing with and below Pinus monophyllOj and descending on the north slope nearly to Antelope Valley in the neighborhood of Liebre ranch. Pinus monticola. Pinus monticola is one of the timber-line trees. On the rocky west slope of the Sierra Nevada, above Mineral King, Mr. Bailey found it at an altitude of 2,930 meters (9,600 feet), and thence upward to 3,120 meters (10,400 feet). In that locality but one pine (Pinus balfouriana) extended higher. 340 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Pinus lambertiana. Common on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada in a well-marked belt, the vertical breadth of which along the East Fork of Kaweah River was determined by Mr. Bailey to be about 360 meters (1,200 feet), or from 1,830 to 2,160 meters (6,000 to 7,200 feet) in altitude. Mr. Bailey found it common at Trout Meadows, and thence along the upper Kern River to above Soda Springs. Pinus flexilis. In California this species was found on the Panamint Mountains above an altitude of about 3,050 meters (10,000 feet), and on the High Sierra, where it ranges from 2,830 to 3,050 meters (9,300 to 10,000 feet). In Nevada it was found on Charleston Peak by Mr. Coville and Mr. Palmer. Abies magnifica. Common on the High Sierra. Mr. Bailey informs me that he ob- served it on the west slope near Mineral King at an altitude of 2,230 meters (7,450 feet), and thence up to about 3,090 meters (10,300 feet), where it nearly reaches timber-line. Abies concolor. Common on the High Sierra. On the west slope Mr. Bailey found it between the altitudes of 1,830 and 2,160 meters (6,000 to 7,200 feet) on the East Fork of Kaweah River, and up to 2,300 meters (7,700 feet) on Kern River. Pseudotsuga macrocarpa. This species of spruce occurs in gulches on the west side of Cajon Pass at an altitude of 670 meters (2,200 feet) and upwards, and was found also on the south side of the Sierra Liebre along the upper val- ley of Peru Creek, just below Alamo ranch. Cajon Pass is the type locality of this species. Sequoia gigantea. Sequoia gigantea forms a conspicuous but narrow and interrupted belt on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. Mr. Bailey informs me that along the East Fork of Kaweah River he found it between the altitudes of 1,830 to 2,000 meters (6,000 to 6,600 feet), on a very gradual slope, so that the actual breadth of the forest was about 5 miles. Libocedrus decurreiis. Mr. Bailey found Libocedrus decurrens common on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, along the East Fork of Kaweah River, from 1,830 to 2,160 meters (6,000 to 7,200 feet) altitude, and along the North Fork of Kern River up to the cliffs above Soda Springs. Juniperus californica. The typical form occurs on the coastal slope of the Great Divide in California, sometimes ranging over a short distance on the Great Basin side, as along the north base of the San Bernardino Mountains. May,iS93.] TREES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 341 It was observed in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. West slope of the Sierra. — Common on the sitlehills about Kernville, where it descends as low as 790 meters (2,600 feet) on the north slopes, and ranges southward along the road from Kernville to Havilah. It reaches the summit of Walker Pass (1,550 meters, or 5,100 feet). sierra Liebre. — Common on the north slope opposite the western part of Antelope Valley. Tehaehapi Mountains. — Common, ranging down into the tree yuccas on the side of the open canon leading from Tehaehapi Valley down to Mohave (altitude, about 1,090 meters, or 3,G00 feet). Mohave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains. — Along the north foot of San Bernardino Mountains, at the extreme southern edge of the Mohave Desert, is a well-defined belt of juniper about 8 miles in width, ranging from the summit of Cajon Pass at an altitude of 1,215 meters (4,000 feet) down through the upper part of the tree yucca zone to an altitude of 1,060 meters (3,500). Juniperus californica utahensis. Juniperus californicus utahensis, either alone or in company with the nut pine (Pinus monophylla), clothes the summits of most of the desert ranges, where it reaches as high as the upper limit of the Transition zone. It is the only juniper inhabiting the southern part of the Great Basin, and does not grow below the Upper Sonoran zone; conse- quently it is absent from the lower ranges and also from the exces- sively barren Funeral and Amargosa ra nges between Death Valley and the Amargosa Desert. The following notes on its distribution were recorded: CALIFORNIA. White and Inyo mountains. — Abundant along the summit of the range (except on the higher peaks of the White Mountains, which are too high for it and are clothed with pines and spruces). On the east slope of the White Mountains, opposite Deep Spring Valley, junipers descend with nut pines to 2,040 meters (6,700 feet). Panamint Mountains. — Common throughout the higher parts of the range. In the basin above Wild Rose Spring on the northwest slope of Telescope Peak, junipers begin at 1,900 meters (about 6,300 feet), and run up to 2,550 meters (8,400 feet) or higher. NEVADA. Mount Mae/ruder. — The juniper is scarce on Mount Magruder, where its place is taken by the nut pine (Pinus monophylla). Gold, Mountain — Common in sheltered cauous, and in places on the summit. Hungry Hill Summit. — Common on the divide and neighboring hills, reaching down on the south side to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). 342 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Pahr.anagat Mountains. — Common on the summit of the range, reach- ing down to 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) on the east slope. Pahroe Mountains. — Common on the higher parts of the range and in canons. Hyho Range. — Common on the higher parts. Highland Range. — Abundant, descending to about 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) on the west side. On the east side of the Highland Range it de- scends to 1,700 meters (5,G00 feet), thus reaching within a few hundred feet of the bottom of Meadow Creek Valley. Juniper Mountains (between Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, and Shoal Creek, Utah). — The most extensive and purest juniper forest I have ever seen covers the rolling plateau along the boundary between Nevada and Utah, reaching from an altitude of 1,765 meters (about 5,800 feet) on the east side of Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, all the way across to Shoal Creek on the borders of the Escalante Desert in Utah. This continuous juniper forest is more than 20 miles in breadth without a break and is mixed with very little nut pine. On the Shoal Creek side it descends to 1,830 meters (6,000 feet). The altitude of the plateau which it occupies, and which is here called the Juniper Moun- tains for lack of a better name, varies from a little over 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) up to about 2,100 meters (7,000 feet). Charleston Mountains. — Common throughout the Charleston Moun- tains, except on the summit of the main peak, which is too high for it. On the west slope (Pahrump Valley side) it descends to 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). ARIZONA AND UTAH. Virgin and Beaverdam mountains. — Common in a broad zone on the Virgin Mountains, reaching down more than halfway to the valley; and on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains down to 1,310 meters (4,400 feet). UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — On the east slope junipers descend to 1,095 meters (3,600 feet) spreading out to the northward over the upper part of the Upper Santa Clara Valley, where they cover all the sidehills. Fine Valley Mountain. — Abundant in a broad zone around the base of the mountain, and stretching thence northwesterly over the Upper Santa Clara Valley, forming a sparse forest on the hillsides until it reaches the Shoal Creek country, where it joins the continuous forest already described. In the Upper Santa Clara Valley it descends to 1,280 meters (about 4,200 feet) at a distance of only 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of St. George, thence forming a scattered forest over the sidehills in a belt at least 10 miles wide south of the Upper Santa Clara crossing, and reaching thence northerly to the borders of the Escalante Desert, south of which it is continuous with the great forest covering the Juniper Plateau. May, 1893.] TREES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 343 Juniperus occidentalis. This species grows on the higher summits of the Panamiut Moun- tains, California, above the upper limit of Juniperus californica utah- ensis. Oil the north slope of Telescope Peak Mr. Bailey found it as high as 2,830 meters (9,300 feet). Juniperus occidentalis monosperma. This subspecies was identified by Mr. Coville as the form growing high up in the Charleston Mountains, Nevada. Tumion californicum. This singular tree grows along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. Mr. Bailey found it on the East Fork of Kaweah River between the altitudes of 1,170 and 1,830 meters (3,950 to 0,000 feet). NOTES ON THE GEOGRAPHIC AND VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF CAC- TUSES, YUCCAS, AND AGAVE, IN THE DESERTS AND DESERT RANGES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, NORTHWESTERN ARIZONA, AND SOUTHWESTERN UTAH. By C. Hart Merriam, M. D. The following notes on the vertical and geographic distribution of the desert cactuses, yuccas, and agave were made by me in April, May, and June, 1891, along the route traversed from the north end of Cajon Pass, in the San Bernardino Mountains, to the St. George Valley at the foot of the Hurricane Cliffs, in southwestern Utah, and thence westerly across Nevada to Owens Valley, California, and southward and southwestward to the extreme end of the western tongue of the Mohave Desert (Antelope Valley), including the several passes (Walker, Tehachapi, and the Canada de las Uvas), by means of which communica- tion is established between the Mohave Desert on the east and the Bakersfield Plain or upper San Joaquin Valley on the west. A de- tailed itinerary of this trip may be found in Part I of the present report. Nearly all of the species were photographed by me in the field, and in most instances parts of the individual plant photographed were brought back for positive identification. As in the case of the desert shrubs, Mr. F. V. Coville is responsible for the nomenclature employed. LIST OF CACTUSES, YUCCAS, AND AGAVE. Cereus engelmanni. mohavensis. Opuntia acanthocarpa. bernard'uia. echhiocarpa. wJiipplei. parryi. ramosissima. pulchella. basilaris. engelmanni occidentalis. rutila. JEchinocacius job nsoni. polycephalw. 2)olyancistrtis. loislizeni lecontei. Mamillaria sp. Yucca baceata. arborescens. elata ? macrocarpa. wliipplei. Agave utahensis. 345 346 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Cereus engelmannl. This is the commonest and most widely diffused cactus of the genus Cereus over the deserts of southern Nevada and southeastern Cali- fornia, where it was .found in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Beep Spring Valley. — Tolerably common in the wash leading np from Deep Spring Valley to the pass over the White Mountains ; in full flower June 10. Found also on the Inyo Mountains. Panamint Mountains. — Common in places. NEVADA. Gold Mountain. — Tolerably common on the south slope above 1,550 meters (5,100 feet); in flower June 3. Timpahute and Desert Mountains. — Tolerably common on both slopes. Pahranagat Valley. — Common on rocky slopes; in full flower May 22-26. Pahranagat Mountains. — Common in places. Juniper Mountains. — Common; in flower May 5. Muddy Mountains. — Eather common; in full flower May 5. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common, ranging from 730 to 1,350 meters (2,400 to 4,400 feet) on the west slope, and from 1,100 to 1,300 meters (3,600 to 4,300 feet) on the east slope; in flower May 10-11. Santa Clara Valley. — Occurs in places; in flower May 11-15. Cereus mohavensis. This cactus grows in dense clumps in rocky places on the sides of the Desert liauges, usually in canons, and bears dark, purple-red flowers. It was observed in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. White Mountains. — Common in places on the east slope above Deep Spring Valley, beginning at an altitude of 1,900 meters (6,300 feet) and ranging up to the summit of the divide; in flower June 10. Panamint Mountains. — Common in places along the summit, particu- larly north of Telescope Peak; not yet in flower, April 17-19. NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Found in a few places on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains above 1,550 meters (5,100 feet); beginning to flower April 29. Pahranagat Mountains. — Found along the summit of the range; in flower May 26. Highland Range. — Found on the west slope of the range; in flower May 20. Juniper Mountains. — Tolerably common in places among the junipers from 1,820 to 2,050 meters (6,000 to 6,700 feet) in altitude; in flower May 18-19. Mat, 1893.] CACTUSES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 347 UTAH. Santa Clara Valley.— Found in the Upper Santa Clara Valley at an altitude of 1,500 or 1,525 meters (4,900 or 5,000 feet). Its deep red flowers were fully open May 1G. Opuntia acanthocarpa. (Plates vn and vni.) This cylindrical-stemmed cactus, which is considerably larger than O. echinocarpa, from which it differs also in having more distant branches and fewer spines, was not observed in California or western Nevada, but was found in eastern Nevada, on the east side of the valley of the Virgin, a few miles from the Mormon town of Bunkerville, and thence easterly to an altitude of 1,340 meters (4,400 feet) on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, in Utah. On the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains it was found between 1,090 and 1,300 meters (3,600-4,300 feet). It was found also in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah. Opuntia bernardina. This tall, arborescent, cylindrical cactus barely enters the region explored by the expedition. In southern California it is common on the San Bernardino Plain, and ranges northward through Cajon Pass, becoming scarce toward the summit. A little further west it is common in the Santa Clara Valley near the mouth of Castac Creek (about 4 miles north of the railroad switch 'Castac') at an altitude of 335 meters (1,100 feet) and thence southerly. IrTthe region in which it grows it forms the favorite nesting sites for the cactus wren (Campy- lorhynchus brunneicapillus). Opuntia echinocarpa. This is the common arborescent cactus of the Mohave Desert region and the deserts of southern Nevada, over which it is widely distrib- uted. It has inconspicuous green flowers, and was in blossom at the south end of Death Valley April 26, and at Bitter Springs, Nevada, May 5. Two characteristic desert birds build their nests in this cactus almost exclusively, namely, Leconte's thrasher (Harporhynchus lecontei) and the cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneica/pillus), and another spe- cies, the black-throated desert sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), nests in it and in other situations also. CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common and widely distributed, reaching westerly throughout Antelope Valley. It runs up the open canon leading from Mohave to Tehachapi as high as 1,050 meters (3,450 feet). Walker Pass. — Common among the tree yuccas on both sides of the pass, descending in Kern Valley as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet) or perhaps still lower. Owens Valley. — Common, and ranging up on the west side (east slope of Sierra) to 1,830 or 1,900 meters (6,000 or 6,200 feet). 318 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Panamint Valley. — Common. Death Valley. — Common, beginning to flower at Saratoga Springs April 26 (flowers green). Beep Spring Valley. — Occurs on the west side in the wash leading up to the pass over the White Mountains. NEVADA. Pahrump Valley. — Common, reaching up to the divide near Mountain Spring on the Charleston Mountains, at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,600 feet). Vegas Valley. — Common. Bitter Springs. — Common in the Muddy Mountains and in flower May 5. Valley of the Virgin and Bower Muddy. — Common on the gravel mesa between the Muddy and Virgin rivers. Fish Balce Valley. — Occurs and ranges up on northwest slope of Mount Magruder to 1,950 meters (6,400 feet). Grapevine Canon. — Occurs. Timpahute and Besert mountains. — Occurs. Pahranagat Valley. — Common. Pahranagat Mountains. — Occurs. UTAH. Bcaverdam Mountains. — Comes up on the northwest slope of the Bea- verdam Mountains to 1,450 meters (3,800 feet) from the Upper Virgin Valley. Santa Clara Valley. — Common in the Lower Santa Clara Valley in the neighborhood of St. George, but not observed on the east slope of the Beaverdam Mountains. In the Upper Santa Clara Valley it is replaced by the larger and much handsomer densely-spined species O. whipplei. Opuntia -whipplei. (Plate ix.) This remarkable species, noteworthy on account of the closeness of its branches, the shortness of its joints, and the multitude of its spines, is abundant in patches among the juniper and sagebrush along the Upper Santa Clara River, near the upper crossing in Utah, at an alti- tude of about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), and was found also on the west slopes of the Highland and Juniper ranges in Nevada, but was not seen elsewhere. On the west slope of the Juniper Plateau it was found betweeu the altitude of 1,830 and 1,980 meters (0,000 and 6,500 feet). The fruit differs from that of O. eehinoearpa in bearing few or no spines. Opuntia parryi. (Plate x.) This species was found only in Indian Spring Valley, Nevada, and on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains, below Mountain Spring. In Indian Spring Valley it is confined to a limited area about 17 miles west of Indian Spring on and near the low divide between this May, 1893.] CACTUSES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 349 valley and Ash Meadows. It is a remarkably prostrate form of the cylindrical-stemmed section of the genus, and its characters are well shown in the accompanying photograph. Opuiitia ramosissima. This very characteristic species, easily recognized by the small diam- eter of its stems and branches, was not found in California or in Nevada west of the North Kingston Mountains, where it was first seen, and where it seems to reach its western limit. It was found also through- out Indian Spring Valley and on both slopes of the Timpahute and Desert mountains, ranging down on the east side (west side of Tim- pahute Desert) to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), and was seen on the east side of the Valley of the Virgin,, near Bunkerville, Nev., and near the month of Beaverdam Creek, Arizona. Opuntia pulchella. This singular little species, having a remarkably large root, was observed in but a single locality, namely, the south end of Fish Lake Valley, on the boundary between California and Nevada, where it was in full flower June 8. The blossoms are pink. Opuntia basilaris. Opuntia basilaris is one of the commonest cactuses of the Sonoran deserts, and may be recognized by the obcordate shape of its pads and the scantiness of its spines. Its purple-red flowers grow in great numbers on the upper edges of the pads, as many as eight open blossoms and several buds having been seen on a single pad at one time. The species was observed in the following localities: CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Common in places. Tehachapi Valley and Pass. — Tolerably common, and still in flower as late as June 25. Walker Pass and Kern Valley. — Common on the east slope up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet). On the west slope it descends into the valley of Kern River, where it is tolerably common on northerly exposures as low as 820 meters (2,700 feet). Owens Valley. — Tolerably common in places. Beep Spring Valley. — Found in the wash leading up from Deep Spring Valley to the pass over the White Mountains. Panamint Valley. — Common in places, running over the greater part of the Panamint Mountains, where it was tolerably common in Perog- nathus Flat. Death Valley. — Common in places, particularly at Saratoga Springs at the south end of the valley, where it was in full flower as early as April 26. NEVADA. Fish Lake Valley. — Tolerably common, ranging up on the northwest slope of Mount Magruder to about 1,850 meters (6,100 feet). 350 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Grapevine Canon. — Common on the north side of the canon and rang- ing up on the Gold Mountain slope between 1,525 and 1,830 meters (5,000 and 0,000 feet). Timpahute Mountains. — Abundant and flowering profusely. Eanges up to 1,275 or 1,300 meters (1,200 or 1,300 feet) on the road to Pahroc Plain. Occurs also on Pahrauagat Mountains. Muddy Mountains. — Common near Bitter Spring (in full flower May 5). Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Common on dry gravel soils. ARIZONA AND UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Common on the east side of the Virgin Val- ley, ranging thence up on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains to 1,150 meters (3,800 feet). Opujitia engelmanni occidentalis. Abundant throughout the San Bernardino Plain, ranging up to the base of the San Bernardino Mountains and entering the lower part of Cajon Pass, where it reaches an altitude of about 730 meters (2,100 feet). It occurs in patches in the Santa Clara*Valley near the mouth of Castac Creek. In Castac Valley the highest plant was seen on the north side at an altitude of 601) meters (2,000 feet), but it was rare above 330 meters (1,100 feet), where both it and Opuntia bernardina became common together about 4 miles north of the railway switch known as 'Castac' A related cactus, which Mr. Coville informs me is probably Opuntia ehlorotica, was found along the Colorado River, in the western part of Vegas Desert near Lower Cottonwood Springs, and on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains between 1,675 and 1,730 meters (5,500 and 5,700 feet) altitude. Sheep Spring, Juniper Mountains. — A cactus resembling Opuntia en- gelmanni, but with smaller and more spiny pads, which differ further from those of O. engelmanni in not growing on top of one another several tiers high, was common in the sage and juniper in the Juniper Mountains between Meadow Creek Valley, Nevada, and Shoal Creek, Utah, from 1,920 to 2,070 meters (6,300 to 6,800 feet) altitude. Opuntia rutila. (Plate xi.) This species, which has enormously long and slender spines, was not found in California except on the Panamint Mountains, where it was common along the summit, ranging down on the west slope above Wild Rose Spring to an altitude of 1,900 meters (6,300 feet). In Nevada it was found on the Charleston, Pahranagat, Desert, and Timpahute mountains, and in the Virgin Valley. In Utah it was found on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains, up to 1,150 meters (3,800 feet), and occurred in places in the Santa Clara Valley. Along the west base of the Desert Mountains near Quartz Spring it ^vas common and in flower May 27, and the flowers were yellow. All Mat, 1893.] CACTUSES OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 351 of the other flowers seen were red. It is possible that two species are here confounded. Echinocactus johnsoni. This species is about one-third the size of E. wislizeni, which it greatly resembles. Its flowers are deep red. It was found on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah, at an alti- tude of 1,030 meters (3,400 feet), and ranged thence up over the divide to 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). A small form referred to the same species was common on steep gravel slopes in Vegas Wash, Nevada, where it was in full flower May 3. It was eaten by the Paiute Indians, who peel it as we would a cucumber. Echinocactus polycephalus. This striking species, commonly called l nigger head' in the desert region, and resembling loose clusters of cocoa-nuts, is common on many of the desert valleys in the southern part of the Great Basin. It was observed in the following localities : CALIFORNIA. Inyo Mountains. — Found along the west side of the range in Owens Valley. Panamlnt Mountains. — Found in the upper part of tile Larrea on the wo.st side of the divide between Perognathus Flat and Wild Rose Spring. NEVADA. Indian Spring Valley. — Common on the rocky walls of the canon leading from the extreme west end of Indian Spring Valley down toward Ash Meadows. Desert Mountains. — Grows sparingly along the west base of the Des- ert Mountains, near Quartz Spring. North Kingston Range. — Common in places. Ash Meadows. — Common on the low rocky mountains on the east side of Ash Meadows. Pahranagat Valley. — A few clusters of heads were seen in rocky places on the east side of the valley. Muddy Mountains. — A few seen in the Muddy Mountains above Bit- ter Springs. Valley of the Virgin and Lower Muddy. — Found in a few places among rocks, particularly on the gravel mesa near the boundary line between Arizona and Nevada. Common on the high mesa between the Virgin and Muddy. [The species was not seen on the east slope of the Beaverdam Moun- tains, in Utah ] Echinocactus polyancistrus. This species, which resembles a pineapple in general size and appear- ance, was found in flower on the east slope of the White Mountains, 352 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. California, a little above the south end of Fish Lake Valley, June 9. The flowers are red. Echinocactus wislizeni lecontei. This large barrel-cactus is not common in the region traversed. In California it was found in the Panamint Mountains (common in Sur- prise Canon). NEVADA. Virgin Mesa. — Common on the high gravel mesa between the Virgin and Muddy valleys. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Found on the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains between 730 and 1,340 meters (2,400-4,400 feet), but not seen on the east slope. Mamillaria. Owing to the uncertainty respecting the species of Mamillaria ob- served, our notes are of very little value. Eepresentatives of the genus were found in the following localities in Nevada: Mountain Spring, Charleston Mountains; Great Bend of the Colorado Eiver; Bitter Springs (where.it was in flower May 5, flowers rich red); and on steep gravel slopes near the boundary between Arizona and Nevada on the west side of the Virgin Valley. Yucca baccata. (Plate xn.) This elegant yucca is by far the handsomest species growing in the desert regions of the Southwest, where it was found in the following localities : NEVADA. Charleston Mountains. — Yucca baccata was first seen on the west slope (Pahrump Valley side) of the Charleston Mountains, in the upper part of the tree yucca belt, at an altitude of about 1,430 meters (4,700 feet), whence it ranges up to the divide at Mountain Spring, a little less than 1,830 meters (or 6,000 feet), and down on the east side to 1,340 meters (4,400 feet), where it was mixed with Yucca macrocarpa. It was budding abundantly April 30, but only a few flowers had expanded. Indian Spring Valley. — Tolerably common at the north end of the north arm of Indian Spring Valley at an altitude of about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet), whence it ranges up toward Hungry Hill Summit to 1,700 meters (5,600 feet), where it was flowering in great perfection May 27. Timpahute and Desert Mountains. — Occurs sparingly in the neighbor- hood of Mud or Summit Spring. Pakranagat Valley. — Occurs sparingly on the west side of the valley, beginning about a mile from the bottom at an altitude of 1,270 meters (4,200 feet) and ranging up to 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). Hylco Mountains. — Occurs sparingly along the open canou or wash leading from Pahroc Plain into Pahrauagat Valley. May, 1.893.1 YUCCAS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 353 Pahroc Mountains. — Tolerably common near Pahroc Spring. Highland Range. — Occurs sparingly on the west slope. Juniper Mountains. — Found sparingly on the west slope of the Ju- niper Mountains between Panaca and Sheep Spring, at an altitude of 1 ,830 to 1,970 meters (0,000 to 0,500 feet). Here it was only in bud May 19, though it was in flower on the Beaverdam Mountains ami on the south slope of Pine Valley Mountain, Utah, a week or ten days earlier. UTAH. Santa Clara Valley. — In the Upper Santa Clara Valley, north of St. George, this handsome species occurs in a belt a few miles wide, begin- ning at about 1,150 meters (3,800 feet) and reaching up to 1,460 meters (4,800 feet). Beaverdam Mountains. — Common, ranging down to 1,080 meters (3,600 feet) on the east slope, and 1,030 meters (3,400 feet) on the west slope. It was beginning to flower May 10, though some plants were only in bud at that time. Yucca arborescens [=Yucca hrerifolia~\. (Plate xiii and frontispiece. ) Among the many unusual and peculiar modifications of plant life of the desert regions of the southwestern United States, none is more re- markable or striking than the tree yucca (Yucca arborescens). Tree yuccas form open forests or groves, usually of small size, but sometimes 15 or 20 miles or more in length, according to the extent of the area suitable to their requirements. The individual trees are well spaced and vary from 6 to 0 meters (20 to 30 feet) in height. They branch in a very peculiar manner and are abundantly clothed with stiff, spiny leaves set so near together that their bases are in actual contact. As the tree grows the leaves die from below upward, and'the dead ones at first point outward at right angles to the trunk, and then downward, their points surrounding the branch or trunk like a belt of bayonets, effectually preventing most animals from climbing up from below. The dead leaves fall off after a year or two, so that the trunks and lower parts of the main branches finally become bare. Tree yuccas are abundant about the borders of the Mohave Desert and on many of the included ' lost ranges,' and also in places of suit- able elevation throughout the deserts of southeastern California, south- ern Nevada, western Arizona, and the extreme southwestern corner of Utah. They do not grow in the bottoms of the arid basins, or upon the steep declivities of the mountains, but thrive best on the higher gravel slopes that skirt the deserts and upon the basal slopes of the included desert ranges, always in a definite zone or belt the extreme vertical width of which rarely exceeds 450 meters (1,500 feet), and usually is much less. The altitude of this belt varies with the base level, but invariably marks the upper limit of the Lower Sonoran zone. Looking northward over the Mohave Desert from the summit of Cajon 12731— No. 7 23 354 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Pass a continuous forest of tree yuccas stretches away in the distance until lost in the desert haze, adding a singularly weird element to the peculiar physiognomy of the region. Some years ago an attempt was made to make paper pulp from the trunks of tree yuccas. The attempt was successful so far as the pro- duction of good pulp was concerned, but the cost of manufacture proved greater than the projectors of the enterprise expected and it was abandoned. Mr. Charles H. Shinn, in an article in the American Agriculturist for December, 1891 (p. 6S9), states that a small pulp mill was built at Eavenna in Soledad Pass, just south of Mohave Desert in California (of which two figures are given), and that large quantities of paper were manufactured and shipped to England, on which a few editions of the London Daily Telegraph were printed. He states further that some of it was used in New York and in San Erancisco. The following detailed notes were recorded respecting the distribu. tion of this species : CALIFORNIA. Mohave Desert. — Tree yuccas are common on the higher levels of the Mohave Desert, where they form a belt several miles in width around the west arm of the desert, covering the slope at the north foot of the San Bernardino rangeof mountains and stretching thence westerly nearly to the west end of Antelope Valley. On the north side of the desert they cover the slope at the foot of the Tehachapi Mountains and extend northeasterly in scattered patches nearly to Walker Pass, in which they again become abundant. This belt is not continuous throughout, but- is interrupted by the absence of suitable conditions. Opposite Cajon Pass the forest is fully 20 kilometers (12 miles) in breadth, covering the slope between the altitudes of 730 and 1,180 meters (2,500 and 3,900 feet), though the trees are scarce and scattering below 920 meters (3,300 feet). Above 1,060 meters (3,500 feet) they are mixed with juniper, and between 1,150 and 1,180 meters (3,800-3,900 feet) with the true sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). An isolated clump grows within the mouth of the pass on the south side of the divide at an altitude of 1,170 meters (3,850 feet). On the divide between Dag- get and Pilot Knob they occur sparingly on the south side of the summit, but are more common on the long slope leading down to Paradise Valley from the south (north exposure), where a sparse growth continues for many miles. A few scattered and stunted trees were found also on and near the divide at Pilot Knob. On the north side of the Mohave Desert, just north of the town of Mohave, they begin at an altitude of 900 meters (3,000 feet) and extend up through the wash or open canon leading to Tehachapi Valley, reaching Came- ron at an altitude of 1,090 meters (3,000 feet). They range thence easterly a few miles, and westerly along the base of the Tehachapi Mountains as far as the eye can reach. They come down from the Mai, 1893.] YUCCAS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 355 north side of the desert to within a mile of Mohave Station, and ex- tend thence westerly and southwesterly over Antelope .Valley with hardly a break between Mohave and Willow Spring, though they are •ibsent from the dry flat extending from Willow Spring southerly and westerly. On the south side of the desert they reappear on a low ridge a few miles south of Mohave, and extend thence southerly past Lancaster to and into Soledad Pass. In the extreme western end of the Mohave Desert, known as Antelope Valley, they reach westward along the middle and north part of the valley to a point about 6 kilo- meters (4 miles) east of Liebre ranch, but on the south side (north slope) they do not extend quite so far west. They reappear in an open caiion or broad wash leading south from near Gorman's ranch to Peru Creek, where they occur in clumps and irregular patches for a mile or so at an altitude of 850 to 901) meters (2,800-3,000 feet). Walker Pass. — At the east end of Walker Pass tree yuccas begin at 1,090 meters (3,G00 feet) and form a line forest in the pass, filling it all the way across up to 1,430 meters (4,700 feet), and straggling on singly and in little clumps up to and over the summit at 1,550 meters (5,100 feet) and down on the west side, with several interruptions, to the val- ley of Kern Eiver. The total length of the yucca strip in the pass proper is 18 or 20 kilometers (11 or 12 miles). Prom Walker Pass they descend into Kern Valley, where a number of small interrupted groves are scattered irregularly along the bottom of the valley nearly all the way down to the forks of Kern Eiver, at an altitude of 850 meters (2,800 feet). Coso Mountains. — A yucca" grove covers part of the west slope of the Coso Mountains, beginning about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Owens Lake and reaching thence southerly nearly to Haway Meadows. Its lower edge comes down almost to the level of the valley (probably to about 1,120 meters -or 3,700 feet). A few scattering trees occur still further south, but they are not numerous enough to form a grove. [Dr. A. K. Fisher tells me that this grove spreads easterly over nearly the whole of the Coso mountains and valley.] Panamint Mountains. — A few stunted tree yuccas occur on the west side of the divide between Perognathus Flat and Wild Kose Spring in the Panamint Mountains. Nelson Range. — Mr. E. W. Nelson found tree yuccas in abundance on the low range (here named 'Nelson Range') separating Panamint Valley from Saline Valley, where they stretch all the way across from the Iuyo Mountains to the Panamint Mountains. Ivaicatch Mountains. — Mr. T. S. Palmer found a few scattering trees on the southwest slope of the Ivawatch Mountains. NEVADA. Mount Magru&er. — Tree yuccas occur sparingly on the norths est slope of Mount Magnulerand adjacent hillsides from an altitude of 2,070 me- ters (G,800 feet) down almost to the upper level of Fish Lake Valley at 356 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. 1,730 meters (5,700 feet). Another and better defined grove occupies the southeast base of Mount Magruder, facing the north part of Sareo- batus Flat. Gold Mountain. — Tree yuccas occur sparingly in the valley between Mount Magruder and Gold Mountain at an altitude of 1,740 meters (5,700 feet) and range thence southerly over the south slope of Gold Mountain and adjacent hills, reaching westward almost to the edge of the north- west arm of Death Valley at 1,770 meters (5,800 feet), and occurring throughout the east and west trough or valley which occupies the north slope of Gold Mountain north of the Gold Mountain mining camp (also known as 'State Line'), reaching as high as 2,100 meters (7,000 feet) on SDuth exposures on spurs and hills north of the main peak, though not occurring on the north slope of the main ridge proper. On the south side of Gold Mountain they descend to 1,550 meters (5,100 feet), thus reaching well down on the north side of Grapevine Canon. Several were found in flower near the summit of Gold Mountain June 3, the only flowers of this species seen during the trip. They are sessile in dense clumps at the ends of the branches, and are coarser and less at- tractive than those of any of the other species. Grapevine Mountains. — A yucca forest of considerable size occupies the east base of the Grapevine Mountains west of the southern half of Sarcobatus Flat. Ralston Desert. — A forest of tree yuccas was seen on the norlh side of the east fork of Amargosa Creek northeast of the north end of Oasis Valley and is probably the northern limit of the species in this direction. Table Mountain. — Mr. F. Stephens found a large forest of tree yuccas on the mesa known as 'Table Mountain,' about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Ash Meadows. Timpahute and Desert Mountains. — Tree yuccas begin on the west side of- Timpahute Desert at the very bottom of the east slope of the Timpahute Mountains (altitude 1,450 to 1,490 meters or 4,800 to 4,900 feet) and continue all the way to and over the summit of the saddle between the Timpahute and Desert Mountains (summit 1,750 meters or 5,750 feet). They do not occur immediately below Summit Spring, but soon reappear and reach down to Emigrant Valley at 1,580 meters (5,200 feet), forming a broad zone along the west slope of the Desert JRange, whence they extend all the way around the south end of Emigrant Valley, and reach several miles north on the west side. Con- tinuing southward without interruption they pass over the low divide at Hungry Hill Summit (1,760 meters or 5,800 feet) and extend down the narrow North Arm of Indian Spring Valley to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet), where they are sufficiently abundant most of the way to form a regular yucca forest. In the lower part many trees were in fruit May 27, bearing large green pods containing flat seeds. Mat, 1893.] YUCCAS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 357 Paliranagat Mountains. — Common on the Paliranagat Mountains from the summit of the pass between Paliranagat and Timpahute valleys (altitude 1,830 meters or 0,000 feet) down on the west side to the edge of Timpahute Desert at an altitude of 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), and down on the east side sparingly to within a mile of the bottom of Pahramigat Valley at an altitude of 1,280 meters (4,200 feet), and forming a fair forest above 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). Stunted and scattered trees stretch thence southerly all along the gravel slope on the west side of Paliranagat Valley at the foot of the Paliranagat Range. On the west slope of the Pahranagat Range (on the east side of Timpahute Valley) the trees are sufficiently near together to form a fair yucca forest between an altitude of 1,390 meters (4,600 feet) and the summit of the divide. Highland Range. — The most northerly forest of tree yuccas found in eastern Nevada is on the west slope of the Highland Range south of the dry lake in Desert Valley, and southeast of Pahroc Spring. This forest is at least 5 miles wide and 10 miles long, and may stretch away much further to the south. Apparently it begins at an altitude of about 1,070 meters (5,500 feet) on the desert side, and ranges up to 2,000 meters or higher (probably to 0,500 or 7,000 feet) on the west slope of the mountains. Pahroc Range. — A few scattering and stunted tree yuccas grow at Point of Rocks, the southernmost spur of the Pahroc Range near Pahroc Spring. These are the northernmost trees of which we have any knowledge. The high base level of Pahroc Plain explains the un- usually high altitude at which they grow. Charleston Mountains. — On the west slope of the Charleston Mountains (Pahrump Valley side), below Mountain Spring, tree yuccas begin at an altitude of about 1,000 meters (3,500 feet), and become more and more abundant until they form au open forest in the upper Larrea and Goleogyne belt, mixing with the junipers at 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), and pushing 60 to 90 meters (200 or 300 feet) higher on favorable slopes, finally stopping at an altitude of about 1,600 meters (5,300 feet). The individual trees are smaller than those of the Mohave Desert, rarely exceeding 4£ meters (15 feet) in height. In the lower part of this belt Yucca arborescens is mixed with unusually large examples of Yucca macrocarpa, and in the upper part with the elegant Yucca baccata. ARIZONA. Northwestern corner. — On the mesa west of the Virgin River and about 8 miles south of the mouth of Beaverdam Creek, near the boundary be- tween Arizona and Nevada, is a scattering belt of tree yuccas a mile or a mile and a half in breadth, ranging from an altitude of about 670 meters (2,250 feet) on the Virgin Valley slope to the top of the mesa at 740 meters (2,450 feet). Detrital Valley. — Mr. Vernon Bailey informs me that Yucca arbor- escens forms an extensive forest on the low divide between Detrital and 358 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. lNo.7. Sacramento Valleys, reaching northward along the sides of Detrital Valley for about 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of Mountain Spring. UTAH. Beaverdam Mountains. — Tree yuccas begin at the foot of the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah at an altitude of about 700 meters (2,300 feet), and range up to 1,340 ineters(4,400 feet), forming a belt 8 or 9 kilometers (5 or 6 miles) in width. The trees rarely exceed 3 meters (10 feet) in height and are more scattering than in the Mohave Desert. Yucca elata? A narrow-leaved yucca provisionally referred to this species was found sparingly in the Lower Santa Clara Valley, Utah, on the mesa near the town of St. George, where it was in full bloom and very hand- some May 11-15. Its flower-stalks are tall and slender, and its leaves narrow and thin. A form resembling this, but with somewhat thicker and heavier leaves, was found on the west slope of the Juniper Moun- tains between Sheep Spring and Panaca, between the altitudes of 1,7G0 and 2,130 meters (5,800-0,700 feet). It was budding plentifully May 19, but was not found in flower. Yucca macrocarpa. (Plate xiv.) This large yucca was found in but few localities traversed by the ex- pedition. It finds its western limit along with Opuntia ramosissima on the North Kingston Mountains, between Besting Springs and Pahrump Valley, Nevada. It begins again on the east side of Pahrump Valley at an altitude of about 970 meters (3,200 feet), and ranges up on the west slope of the Charleston Mountains to 1,090 meters (3,000 feet), forming a well-marked zone mixed with scattering trees of Yucca arborcscens, which latter species becomes more and more abundant until it forms a true yucca forest in the upper Larrea and Colcogyne belt, where Y. macrocarpa disappears. In this zone Yucca macrocarpa grows larger than observed elsewhere, many plants reaching the height of 2£ meters (8 feet), and some growing as high as 3 or even 4 meters (10 to 13 feet). It never branches like Yucca arborescens but has a heavy, irregular trunk, well shown in the accompanying photograph. On warm soil a few plants were in full flower April 29, though most of them were not yet in bud. On the east side of the Charleston Moun- tains it begins at an altitude of 1,525 meters (about 5,000 feet), and descends to the upper part of Vegas Valley, near Cottonwood Springs, at an altitude of 900 meters (3,000 feet), where dozens were found in flower April 30. On the north side of the Charleston Mountains this species occurs sparingly throughout the higher parts of Indian Spring Valley above 1,180 meters (3,900 feet). It is common on the low divide about 27i kilometers (17 miles) west of Indian Spring at an altitude of 1,220 meters or 4,000 feet, and thence is continuous westerly along the south MAY,i3f)3.] SHRUBS OF THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. 359 (or highest) side of the valley to the eauon separating- Indian Spring Valley from the 'Ainargosa country, and occurs scattering on tbe west or Ainargosa side, skirting the higher slopes. In the north arm of Indian Spring Valley it is common and conspicuous, ranging from 1,370 meters (1,500 feet) northward to about 1,G70 meters (5,500 feet). It was not found on the Beavcrdam Mountains or in any other locality. ARIZONA. Detrital Valley. — Mr. Vernon Bailey informs me that he found this species abundant and of unusually large size throughout the south end of Detrital Valley and north end of Sacramento Valley, covering the divide and extending for some distance along the foothills of the border- ing mountains. Yucca whipplei. This is the characteristic yucca of the Coast Ranges of California, whence it extends easterly along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, where we found it flowering abundantly between Kernville and Walker Basin June 23, its creamy flo wers on tall white stalks dotting the side- hills above the chaparral. It is common also in the Tehachapi Moun- tains, ranging down as low as 1,000 meters (3,500 feet) in the upper part of the canon leading from Tehachapi to Mohave, and on the hills at the head of Antelope Valley, near Gorman's ranch (altitude about 1,150 meters or 3,850 feet), whence it spreads over the Sierra Liebre range. Agave utahensis. This species, the only true agave met with by the expedition, was found in but two localities, namely, the Charleston Mountains in Nevada and the Beaverdam Mountains in southwestern Utah. In the former locality it was common on rocky hillsides in the neighborhood of Mountain Spring, from an altitude of 1,000 meters (5,300 feet) up to 1,830 meters (0,000 feet), where many 'mescal' pits were found where the Indians had baked the edible butts of the plants. These pits average a little more than a meter (about 4 feet) in depth, and from 3£ to 6 meters (12 to 20 feet) in diameter. On the west slope of the Beaverdam Mountains in Utah the agave begins at 1,180 meters (3,800 feet) and grows in a narrow zone upward toward the summit of the pass. LIST OF LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE DEATH VALLEY EXPEDITION. By T. S. Palmer. The delay in the appearance of the first part of the report, contain- ing" descriptions of the various points visited by the expedition, makes it desirable to furnish a brief statement concerning the places referred to. In describing an area like the desert region of California great difficulty is experienced in fixing localities, and recourse must often be had to canons, washes, and springs for names with which to indicate places. For this reason a large number of seemingly unimportant localities occur in the report, which can be found on few, if any, pub- lished maps and are more or less meaningless to one unfamiliar with the country. The following list, while making no pretense to include all the localities mentioned in the report, gives brief descriptions of the more important places, which will serve to locate them with reference to well-known points. Many of these places will be described more fully elsewhere. The altitudes have been compiled chiefly from Gannett's Dictionary of Altitudes in the United States* and the map sheets of the Wheeler Survey West of the 100th Meridian. These have been supplemented by observations made by the expedition; but except in the case of points in Death Valley (which were determined by a topographer of the U. S. Geologieal Survey), such altitudes are based mainly on observations made with aneroid barometers. Since the list is intended primarily as a help in finding places on the map, distances, unless otherwise stated, indicate the number of miles measured in a straight line between two points, and not the distance by the road. In the case of railroad points, however, the distances between stations are taken from the railroad figures. This will explain the apparent discrepancy in many cases between the distances given and the actual distances as measured by an odometer. The metric equivalents for altitudes and distances are only approximate, all fractions having been discarded in converting the measurements into the metric system. Under each locality will be found the names of the members of the expedition who visited it and * Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey, No. 76, 1891. 301 362 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. who assisted in making the collections described in this report.! A list of several names under one locality usually indicates that the place was visited by different members at different dates — particularly in the case of points in Death Valley, Owens Valley, and the Sierra Nevada. Note. — Reference letters and figures follow names of places which appear on the accompanying" map. Altitudes based on observations made by the expedition are marked with an asterisk. Adobe Station, Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 284 feet (86 meters). An abandoned stage station on the wagon road from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, situated northeast of Kern Lake in the San Joaquin Valley Nelson. Alila, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude, 280 feet t'85 meters). A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Visa- lia -". Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Alvord, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 3,936 feet (1,206 meters). The station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad for Big Pine, 54 miles (86 kilo- meters) north of Keeler on Owens Lake Stephens. ' Amargosa Borax Works, Inyo County, Calif. F, 12. An abandoned station and borax works of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, situ- ated on the Amargosa River, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of the Great Bend and 6 miles (10 kilometers) west of Resting Springs. Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Amargosa Range, Inyo County, Calif. D-E, 11. The name given to the central part of the range which forms the eastern wall of Death Valley. It is usually restricted]to that portion of the range between Boundary Canon on the north (beyond which are the Grapevine Mountains), and Furnace Creek on the south, which marks the beginning of the Funeral Mountains. The highest point, Pyramid Peak, has an altitude of 6,754 feet, or 2,058 meters. (See also Funeral Mountains.) Amargosa River. D-F, 11-12. A 'stream' (usually nothing more than a dry wash) running from Oa3is Valley, Nevada, southward through Ash Meadows to the end of the Funeral Mountains, where it turns at the 'Great Bend' to the west and northwest and sinks iu Death Valley. Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, Calif. II, 7-8. The name applied to the western part of the Mohave Desert immediately north of the Sierra Liebre Merriam, Palmer. Argus Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. E-F, 10. The range situated immediately west of P.inamint Valley between the Coso and Panamint mountains. Its highest point, Maturango Peak, has an altitude of 8,814 feet (2,696 meters) Palmer, Fisher. tMr. Albert Koebele, the eutomologist, joined the expedition at Daggett on April 3, and remained only about six weeks. He crossed the Mohave Desert to Death Val- ley with one of the parties and then proceeded to Keeler by way of Panamint Valley, Shepherd Canon, and Darwin, making collections along the road wherever practi- cable. Ho visited Daggett, Paradise Valley, Granite Wells, and Lone Willow Spring in San Bernardino County; Furnace Creek, Bennett, and Mosquito Wells in Death Valley; Windy Gap; Hot Springs in Panamint Valley ; Shepherd Canon and Matu- rango Spring iu the Argus Mountains; Darwin and Keeler. Mat, 1803.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 363 Ash Creek, Inyo County, Calif, E, 8. A small stream entering Owens Lake from the west, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of Olaneba. Named from the ash trees that grow on its borders. . . Stephens. Ash Meadows, Nye County, Nev. E, 11-12. The large valley or plain east of the Amargosa Range and 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the Great Bend of the Amargosa River, named on account of the presence of a small desert ash (Fraxinm coriacea) which was formerly abundant. The boun- dary line between California and Nevada passes through Ash Meadows. Collections were made by Merriam, Bailey, and Stephens at the 'King Spring' or 'Stone House' (altitude about 3,800* feet or 1,160 meters), on the eastern side of the valley, and by the rest of the party at Watkins' Ranch, 3 or 4 miles west of this point— all in Nevada. Bakersfield, the county seat of Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 415 feet (126 meters). G, 6 Merriam, Palmer, Nelson, Fisher, Bailey. Banning, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, 2,317 feet (70o metera). A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of San Bernardino and near the summit of the San Gorgonio Pass Stephens. Beaverdam Mountains, Washington County, Utah. C, 17. A north-and-south range west of the town of St. George, constituting the north- ward extension of the Virgin Mountains Merriam, Bailey. Bennett Wells, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 323* feet (98 meters) below sea level. E, 11. Two shallow wells dug in the bottom of Death Valley, on the west side of the salt marsh, and nearly due east of Telescope Peak. Named in memory of one of the survivors of the ill-fated party of emigrants who entered the valley in 1850. The lowest point in the valley (480* feet or 146 meters oelow sea level, according to ob- servations of the U. S. Geological Survey) is a little northeast of this place. Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Nelson, Bailey. Benton, Mono County, Calif. Altitude, 5,515 feet (1,681 meters). B, 8. A station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad, 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Keeler. The town is about 4 miles (6 kilometers) west of the station of the same name, and about 200 feet (60 meters) higher Nelson, Stephens. Big Cottonwood Meadows, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 10,000" feet (3,1 50 meters). The large meadows near the head of Big Cottonwood Creek, a stream rising near Mount Corcoran, and flowing into Owens Lake. A meteorological station was estab- lished in the meadow (about 8 miles or 13 kilometers southeast of Mount Whitney) June 15, and observations were continued by Dntcher and Koch until Septem- ber 15 Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey, Nelson. Big Pine, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, about 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). C, 8. A town in Owens Valley, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Owens Lake. (See also Alvord) Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. Big Tree Cafion, Tulare County, Calif. A canon on the East Fork of the Kaweah, named on account of the presence of Big Trees (Sequoia gigantea) Bailey. Bishop, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude [of station], 4,104 feet (1,251 meters). C, 8. A station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad, about 70 miles (113 kilometer.-) north of Keeler. The town of Bishop, or Bishop Creek, is on the creek of the same name, and is west of the station Nelson, Stephens. 364 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. LNo.7. Bishop Creek, Inyo County, Calif. C, 8. A small stream rising on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada and flowing into Owens River. Collections were made by Stephens at Lewis Lake on the west fork of the creek at an altitude of about 9,000 feet (2,740 meters) Stephens. Bitter Spring, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 1,800-1,900* feet (550-580 meters). E, 15. A spring on the east slope of the Muddy Mountains, about 16 miles (25 kilome- ters) .northeast of the site of Callville Merriam, Bailey. Borax Flat or Lake, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, 1,808 feet (551 meters). F, 10. A borax marsh on the boundary line between San Bernardino and Inyo counties, just west of the Slate Range and near the southern end of the Argus Range, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Browns Peak. Searles' borax works are located on the northwest side of the marsh Stephens. Browns Peak, Calif. Altitude, 5,392 feet (1,643 meters). F, 10. A prominent peak opposite the south end of the Panamint Range and east of Lone Willow Spring Bailey. Bubbs Creek, Fresno County, Calif." The main branch of the South Fork of Kings River, which rises near Kearsarge Pass and unites with the South Fork at the east end of the Kings River Canon. ■ Palmer, Fisher, Nelson. Bunkerville, Lincoln County, Nev. D, 16. A Mormon town in the Virgin Valley on the road from Callville, Nev., to St. George, Utah, 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of the eastern boundary of the State of Ne- vada Merriam, Bailey. Cajon Pass, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude [of wagon pass], 4,195 feet (1,279 meters). I, 9-10. A pass in the Sierra Madre, leading north from the San Bernardino Valley to the Mohave Desert..: Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Stephens. Caliente, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 1,290 feet (393 meters). G, 7. • A station and post-office on the Southern Pacific Railroad at the north foot of Tehachapi Pass Merriam, Palmer. Callville, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 945 feet (288 meters). E, 15. An abandoned Mormon settlement on the north bank of the Colorado River at the head of navigation and about 4 miles (6 kilometers) east of the Great Bend. Merriam, Bai le y. Cameron, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 3,786 feet (1,154 meters). A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Mohave and 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of Tehachapi Merriam, Palmer. Canada de las Uvas, Kern County, Calif. Altitude about 4,288 feet (1,307 meters). If, 7. A wagon pass in the Tejon or Tehachapi mountains, leading from the south end of the San Joaquin Valley across to the west end of the Mohave Desert. Situated east of Mt. Pinos and about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Tehachapi Pass. Merriam, Palmer, Nelson. Canebrake Ranch, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 3,904 feet (1,190 meters). A ranch at the northwest foot of Walker Pass on the road from Kernville to Coyote Holes Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey. Mat, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 365 Carpenteria, Santa Barbara County, Calif. I, 5. A town on the Southern Pacific Kailroad, 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Santa Barbara Nelsox. Carrizo Plains, San Luis Obispo County, Calif. G, 4-5. The name given to the valley or plain east of the headwaters of the San Juan River and separated from the main San Joaquin Valley by the low ridge of the Temploa Mountains Nelson. Castac Lake, Kern County, Calif. H, 7. A small lake in the Canada de las Uvas, 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of Old Port Tejon, but in the San Joaquin drainage t Merriam, Palmer. Cave "Wells, Calif., commonly known as the ' The Caves.' F, 12. A spring and abandoned stage station in the I va watch Mountains, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Saratoga Springs in Death Valley. The spring is on the main road from Daggett to Besting Springs Palmer, Stephens. Centerville, Fresno County, Calif. A town on Kings River in the western foothills of the Sierra, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Fresno Nelson. Charcoal Kilns, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 7,500" feet (2,286 meters). A number of abandoned charcoal kilns on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains, in the upper part of Wild Rose Canon, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) above the spring of the same name Merriam, Fisher, Bailey, Stephens. Charleston Mountains, Lincoln County, Nev. E-F, 13-14. A high range of mountains, marked Spring Mountains on the Land Office and some other maps. The culminating point, Charleston Peak, has an elevation of 10,874 feet (3,314 meters), and is the highest peak in southern Nevada. Collections were made by Nelson and Palmer at a saw mill (altitude about 8,000* feet or 2,438 meters) on the west slope northwest of the main peak, and by Merriam and Bailey at Mount- ain Spring (altitude 5,501 feet or 1,677 meters), at the southern end of the range on the road from Pahrump Valley to Las Vegas Ranch. Chiquito Peak, Fresno County, Calif. Altitude 8,136 feet (2,480 meters). C, 6. A peak on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, south of Mount Lyell. Chiquito San Joaquin or Chiquito Creek, Fresno County, Calif. A small stream in the High Sierra, which rises southeast of Mount Raymond and, flowing southward, enters the San Joaquin River a little below the mouth of the South Fork Nelsox. Corn Creek, Lincoln County, Nev. A spring in the Vegas Valley, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Las Vegas Ranch Bailey, Nelsox. Coso, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 5,800 feet (1,768 meters). E, 9. A deserted mining camp, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of Darwin. The camp is situated at the head of a rocky canon, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) south- east of the peak of the same name Palmer, Fisher. Coso Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. E, 9. A range southeast of Owens Lake, between the Sierra Nevada and the Argus Range. Its highest point, Coso Peak, has an altitude of 8,425 feet (2,568 meters); Palmer, Fisher. tOn some maps the name Castac Lake is given to a lake in the Mohave Desert, south of the divide in the Canada de las Uvas. 366 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Cotton' wood Canon, Inyo County, Calif. D. 10. A canon in the northern part of the Panamint Mountains, leading from the south- ern part of Saline Valley to the northwestern arm of Death Valley or Mesquite Valley Nelson. Cotton-wood Springs, Lincoln County, Nov. Altitude of lower spring 3,449 feet (1,051 meters). E, 14. (1) Upper Cottonwood Springs. A series of running springs at the east base of the Charleston Mountains, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of Mount Olcott. Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. (2) The lower spring (the Cottonwood Spring of the Wheeler survey) is in a gap in a low range of hills between the Charleston Mountains and Vegas Valley, some distance east of the upper springs Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. Coyote Holes, Calif. A name commonly applied to small springs or 'tanks' of water on the desert whether fresh or alkaline. (1) Kern County. Altitude 3,368 feet (1,027 meters). A spring and ranch on the Mohave and Keeler stage road, just south of the entrance to Walker Pass; also known as Freeman Post-Office Palmer, Stephens. (2) San Bernardino County. G, 11. An alkaline spring on the Daggett and Resting springs road, 19 miles (30 kilometers) by the road northeast of Daggett Palmer, Stephens. Crane Lake, Los Angeles County, Calif. A small lake 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of Gorman Station, in the extreme west end of Antelope Valley Merriam. Palmer. Crocker's Ranch, California. Altitude 4,497 feet (1,371 meters). A station on the Big Oak Flat and Yosemite Valley stage road, 23 miles (37 kilo- meters) northwest of the Yosemite Valley (by the road). It is near the boundary line between Tuolumne and Mariposa counties, and 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of Hodgdon, the nearest point given on the Wheeler map sheet No. 56 D. Cuddy Peak, California. (See Frazier Mountain.) Daggett, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude 2,002 feet (610 meters). H, 11. A town on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, 9 miles (14 kilometers) east of Bar- stow. Daggett is the base of supplies for the town of Calico and the Death Valley region Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Stephens. Darwin, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 4,840 feet (1,475 meters). E, 9. A small town 22 miles (35 kilometers) southeast of Keeler. Formerly an important mining camp Palmer, Fisher, Bailey, Nelson. Death Valley, Inyo County, Calif. D-F, 10-11. The valley lying between the Panamint Mountains on the west and the range on the east known by the names of the Funeral, Amargosa, and Grapevine mountains. There are several springs of drinkable water in the valley, of which the most import- ant are Saratoga Springs (altitude 352* feet, or 107 meters) at the southeast end, Bennett Wells (altitude 323* feet, or 98 meters, below sea level) on the west side, and the springs near the mouth of Furnace Creek, in the northern part of the Funeral Mountains. Death Valley proper extends from the vicinity of Saratoga Springs to a point about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Furnace Creek ; but with the northwest arm, or Mesquite Valley, it has an extreme length of about 135 miles (215 kilometers). It is chiefly remarkable for its depth; observations taken by the U. S. Geological Mat, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 367 Survey show that the lowest point northeast of Bennett Wells is ISO1 feet (146 me- ters) below sea level, thus making the valley the deepest depression in North America. Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey, Nelson, Stephens. Death Valley Canon, Inyo County, Calif. A canon on the east slope of the Panamint Mountains, leading down into Death Valley. The head of the canon is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of .Telescope Peak. An Indian trail from Darwin to Furnace Creek, after crossing the Panamint Valley, ascends Wild Rose Canon and crosses the summit of the Panamint Moun- tains to the head of Death Valley Canon Bailey, Fisher. Deep Spring Valley, Inyo County, Calif. C, 8-9. A hasin ahout 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, in the "White Mountains near the Nevada boundary, and between Fish Lake and Owens valleys.. .Merriam, Bailey. Delano, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 313 feet (95 meters). F, 6. A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 32 miles (51 kilometers) north of Bakersfield Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Desert Range, Lincoln County, Nev. C-D, 14. A range north of the Charleston Mountains, inclosing the north arm of Indian .Spring Valley. The Desert Range is the southern continuation of the Timpahuto Mountains. Desert Valley, Lincoln County, Nev. B, 15. A narrow valley containing a large dry lake, between the Pahroc Range on the west and the Highlaud Range on the east, which latter separates it from the town of Panaca. A second Desert Valley is given on the Land Office map of Nevada just east of the Desert Range and some distance southwest of the one just described. The latter is the Timpahuto Valley of the present report Merriam, Bailey. Diamond Valley, Utah. A small valley in the southwestern part of the Territory, south of Pine Valley Mountain and north of St. George Merriam, Bailey. Diaz Meadows, Inyo County, Calif. (See Big Cottonwood Meadows.) Dolan Spring, Mohave County, Ariz. F, 16. A spring on the east side of Detrital Valley, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north- east of The Needles, Calif. Collections were made here in 1889 by Bailey. Elizabeth Lake, Los Angeles County, Calif. Altitude 3,317 feet (1,011 meters). H, 8. A body of brackish water, a ndle long and about one half mile wide (1.6 by .8 kilometers), situated on the north side of the Sierra Liebre, 2 or 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometers) from the north end of the San Francisquito Pass Palmer. Elk Bayou, Tulare County, Calif. A small stream emptying into the Tulare River. Collections were made near the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of the town of Tulare Bailey, Fisher. Emigrant Canon, Inyo County, Calif. D — E, 10. A canon in the Panamint Mountains, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Wild Rose Canon, and 15 or 20 miles (24 to 32 kilometers) north of Telescope Peak. Emi- grant Canon heads in Peroguathus Flat and ospens into the northwest arm of Death Valley Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. Emigrant Spring, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 4,400* feet (1,340 meters). E, 10. A spring, in a canon of the same name, in the Panamint Mountains. There are two springs, about one-half mile apart, both on the west side of the canon. Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. 368 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Emigrant Valley, Nov. C, 13. A small valley containing a dry lake. It is on the boundary line between Nye and Lincoln counties and west of the Desert and Tinipahnte mountains. Merriam, Bailey. Escalante Desert, Utah. B, 17-18. An extensive desert in southwestern Utah, north of Pine Valley Mountain and south of Sevier Lake T Merriam, Bailey. Farewell Gap, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude about 11,000* feet (3,350 meters). A pass from the headwaters of the East Fork of the Kaweah River above Mineral King to the head of Little Kern River Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County, Nev. B, 8-9. On the boundary line between California and Nevada, lying mainly in the latter- State, between the White Mountains on the west and the Silver Peak Mountains on the east Merriam, Bailey. Fish Slough, Owens Valley, California. An old stage station at several large springs on the road from Bishop Creek to Benton, near the boundary line between Inyo and Mono counties; about 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Bishop Creek Stephens. Fort Miller, Fresno County, Calif. An abandoned military post on the San Joaquin River, about 20 miles (32 kilo- meters) northeast of Fresno. Fort Tejon, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 3,245 feet (989 meters). H, 7. An abandoned military post situated in the Canada de las Uvas, 4 miles (6 kilo- meters) from the north entrance of the canon Merriam, Palmer. Frazier Mountain, Ventura County, Calif. Altitude 7,750 feet, or 2,362 meters (Rothrock). H, 7. A high peak 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Mount Pifios. Also known as Cuddy Peak, and this name appears on map sheets Nos. 73 and 73C of the Wheeler Survey Palmer. Fresno, the county seat of Fresno County, Calif. Altitude 294 feet (90 meters). D, 5 Bailey. Funeral Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. E-F, 11-12. A barren range, forming the eastern boundary of Death Valley and separating it from the Amargosa Desert. The Grapevine, Amargosa, and Funeral mountains form a continuous range from Mount Magruder south to Saratoga Springs, the name Funeral Mountains being given to the southern end of the range south of Furnace Creek. The highest peaks in the Funeral Mountains are Le Conte, 6,580 feet (2,005 meters); Mount Smith, 6,300 feet (1,920 meters); and Mount Perry, 5,500s feet (1,676 meters). Pyramid Peak (altitude 6,754 feet or 2,058 meters) is more properly in the Amargosa Rang© Palmer, Fisiier, Bailey. Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California. E, 11. A small stream entering the east side of Death Valley from a canon of the same name in the northern part of the Funeral Mountains. A mile or two from the mouth of the canon is the 'Greenland ranch' of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, which is supplied by water from Furnace Creek. The altitude of the ranch is said to be> about 200" feet (61 meters) below sea level. Collections were made here by Merriam, Fisher, Palmer, Bailey, Nelson. Stephens. Garlick Spring, San Bernardino County, Calif. G, 11. A spring of good water in the Mohave Desert, on the Daggett and Resting Springs road, 25 or 30 miles (40 or 48 kilometers) northeast of Daggett.. .Palmer, Stephens. Mat, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 369 Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County, Calif. H-I, 4. A pass in the Santa Yfiez Mountains about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara, running north from the coast to the Santa Yfiez Valley Nelson. Giant Forest, Tulare County, Calif. The most extensive grove of Sequoia gigantea. It is in the Sequoia National Park, on the divide between the Marble and East Forks of the Kaweah River and 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 kilometers) south of Mount Silliman Palmer, Fisher. Gold Mountain, Esmeralda County, Nev. Altitude 7,400* feet (2,255 meters) . C, 10. A high east-and-west ridge at the northern end of the Grapevine Mountains, from which it is separated by a broad, open canon (Grapevine Canon), about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Grapevine Peak Merriam, Bailey. Gorman Station, Los Angeles County, Calif. Altitude 3,838 feet (1,170 meters). H, 7. A post-office on the wagon road from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, just south of the summit of the divide in the Canada de las Uvas Merriam, Palmer. Granite Mountains, San Bernardino County, Calif. G, 10-11. A low east-and-west range in the Mohave Desert lying south of the Slate and Panamint ranges. At the eastern end it runs into the Ivawatch Mountains, and on the west terminates in Pilot Knob or Granite Mountain, the altitude of which is 5,525 feet (1,683 meters) Palmer, Stephens. Granite Wells, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, about 4,200* feet (1,280 meters). A spring in the Mohave Desert on the northwest slope of Pilot Knob or Granite Mountain, 40 or 45 miles (64 to 72 kilometers) northwest of Daggett, on the wagon road to Death Valley Merriam, Palmer. Fisher. Grapevine Peak, Esmeralda County, Nev. Altitude, 8,657 feet (2,638 meters). D, 10. The highest peak of the Grapevine Mountains, which lie along the California- Nevada boundary, separating the northwestern arm of Death Valley from Sarcobatus Flat and the Ralston Desert. The peak is about 15 or 20 miles (24 or 32 kilometers) south-southeast of Gold Mountain Nelson. Grapevine Spring, Inyo County, Calif. C, 10. A spring in the northwestern arm of Death Valley, on the western slope of the Grapevine Mountains, 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Grapevine Peak, and on the California side of the line Stephens. Greenland Ranch, Calif. (See Furnace Creek.) Halsted Meadows, Tulare County, Calif. Alti tnde, about 7,000* feet (2,134 meters). A small meadow in the Sequoia National Park, 6 or 8 miles (10 or 13 kilometers) southwest of Mount Silliman Fisher, Palmer. Havilah, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 3,150 feet (959 meters). F, 8. A town and post-office about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Kernville, on the road to Caliente Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher. Haway Meadows, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 3,782 feet (1,152 meters). E, 9. A ranch and stage station on the Mohave and Keeler stage road, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of Olancha and 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Owens Lake. Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Stephens, Fisher, 12731— No. 7 24 370 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Hesperia, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, 3,184 feet or 969 meters (S. C. Ry.). 1,10. A town on the Southern California Railway, just north of Cajon Pass and 36 miles (58 kilometers) north of San Bernardino . . . Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Stephens. Hockett Trail, California. An old military trail from Visalia, Tulare County, to Lone Pino, Inyo County. The main trail runs up the South Fork of the Kaweah River, thence across the divide and up the North Fork to Soda Springs, where it follows Whitney Creek to Big Cottonwood Meadows; from this point it descends the steep eastern slope of the Sierra to Lone Pine. A side trail runs from Mineral King through Farewell Gap to the head of Little Kern River and strikes the old trail near Trou t Meadows. Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson*. Horse Corral Meadows, Fresno County, Calif. Altitude, ahout 8,000* feet (2,438 meters). A small meadow on the trail from Camp Badger to Kings River Canon, situated north of Mount Silliman t Palmer, Fisher. Hot Springs, Inyo County, Calif. E, 10. Warm springs on the east side of Panamint Valley, near the mouth of Surprise Canon Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Hot Springs Valley, Inyo County, Calif. E, 9. This name is applied to the northern end of Salt Wells Valley, which lies ahout 10 or 15 miles (16 or 24 kilometers) southwest of Coso Peak Palaier, Stephens. Hungry Hill Summit, Lincoln County, Nev. C, 13. A divide in the Desert Mountains hctween Emigrant Valley and the head of the north arm of Indian Spring Valley Merriam, Bailey. Independence, county seat of Inyo County, Calif. D, 8. The station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad (26 miles or 42 kilometers north of Keeler, at an altitude of 3,718 feet or 1,133 meters), is ahout 2 or 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometers) east of the town. Old Camp Independence), an abandoned military post, was located about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of the town. Merriam, Bailey, Palmer, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Independence Creek, Inyo County, Calif. A small stream on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, which rises on the cast slope of Kearsarge Pass and flows into Owens River near Independence. Palmer, Fisheh, Nelson, Stephens. Indian Spring Valley, Lincoln County, Nov. D, 13. A narrow east-and-west valley north of the Charleston Mountains, with a north arm west of the Desert Range Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. Indian Wells, Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 2,608 feet (795 meters). F, 9. A stage station on the road from Mohave to Keeler, near the southeast entrance to Walker Pass Me u ream, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey, Stephens. Inyo Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. C-D, 8-9. The first of the desert ranges east of the Sierra Nevada, forming the eastern wall of Owens Valley. Remarkable for its height and the steepness of its slopes. The name Cerro Gordo Range is sometimes given to the southern part of these mountains; but the Cerro Gordo, Inyo, and White mountains practically form one continuous range. The highest points are Waueoba Peak (altitude, 1 1 .L'fiT feet, or 3,403 meters), Mount Halm (altitude, 11,030 feet, or 3,362 meters), and New York Butte (altitude, 10,675 feet, or 3,254 meters) Nels< >n. May, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 371 Jackass Spring, Inyo County, Calif. Attitude, 6,489 feet (1,977 meters). A spring on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains, at the point where Nelson Range joins the Panamint Mountains, not far from the entrance to Cottonwood Canon NELSON. Johnson Canon, Inyo County, Calif. A canon on the east slope of the Panamint Mountains, opening into Death Valley. Collections were made hero by Fisher and Nelson 6 or 8 miles (10 or 13 kilometers) southeast of Telescope Peak, at altitudes varying from 5. 000 to 9,000 feet (1,524 to 2,743 meters) Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Tuniper Mountains, Lincoln County, New B, 16. A north-and-south range between Meadow Valley, Nevada, and the Escalante Des- ert, Utah Merriam, Bailey. Kaweah Peak, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude, about 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). D, 8. The highest peak in the western ridge of the southern Sierra Nevada west of Mount Whitney. Kaweah River, Tulare County, Calif. D-E, 6-7. An important stream whose live main branches (the North. Marble, Middle, East, and South Forks) drain the west slope of the Sierra south of the basin of Kings River, and uniting near Three Rivers flow into Tulare Lake. Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Kaweah Sawmill, Tulare County, Calif. A sawmill about 15 or 20 miles (24 or 32 kilometers) north of Three Rivers, on the divide between the North and Marble Forks of the Kaweah River. The mill is at the lower edge of the pine forest and just within the western boundary of the Sequoia National Park. An excellent wagon road leads to it from Three Rivers. Palmer, Fisher. Kearsarge Pass, California. Altitude, about 12,000* feet (3,658 meters). D, 8. One of the highest passes in the Siena Nevada, crossing the range just south of Mount Kearsarge. The trail from Fresno to Independence runs through this pass. Palmer, Fisher, Nelson. Keeler, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 3,622 feet (1,103 meters). E, 9. A town on the east shore of Owens Lake. The present tenuin us of the Carson and Colorado Railroad Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Keene, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 2,705 feet (824 meters). A station ou the Southern Pacific Railroad, between Caliente and Tehachapi. about 12 miles (19 kilometers) below the summit of the pass _ ..Merriam. Palmer. Kern River, California. E-G, 6-8. A large river draining the trough between the two ridges of the southern Sierra Nevada. The South or East Fork rises on the west slope of ( daneha Peak and Hows south, then turning to the west, unites near the town of Kcrnville with the North or West Fork, which heads near Mount Whitney. The main river flows into Kern Lake. It was named by Fremont in honor of Edward M. Kern, topographer of the third Fremont expedition. (1). Head of North Fork, Tulare County, Calif. Specimens so labeled were collected in the basin between Mount Whitney and Kaweah Peak (altitude 9,000 to 12,000 feet, or 2,743 to 3,658 meters) north of Soda Springs and the canon of the North Fork Palmer, Bailey, Dutcher. 372 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. (2) South Fork, California. » This locality refers to a camp near the northwest hase of Walker Pass and 25 miles (40 kilometers) above Kernville, on the road to Coyote Holes. Merriam:, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher. Kern River Lakes, California. (See Soda Springs.) Kernville, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 2,551 feet (777 meters). F, 8. A small town near the junction of the North and South forks of Kern River. • Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher. Kings River, Fresno County, Calif. C-E, 5-7. This river drains the west slope of the Sierra between the basins of the San Joaquin and the Kaweah Rivers. Its branches rise near the crest of the range between Mounts Brewer and Goddard and flow southwest into the San Joaquin River. Kings River Canon, Fresno County, Calif. Altitude 4,500 to 5,000 feet (1,371 to 1,524 meters). The main canon on the South Fork of Kings River, about 10 miles (16 kilomeicrs) in length Palmer, Fisher, Nei son Kingston Peak, San Bernardino County, Calif. F, 13. A peak in the northeastern part of the county near the boundary between Cali- fornia and Nevada, and about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Charleston Peak, Nevada. Lake Charlotte, Fresno County, Calif. D, 8. A small lake near timber-line in the High Sierra on the trail from Kings River Canon to Independence, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) west of the summit of Kear- sarge Pass Palmer, Fisher, Nelson. Lancaster, Los Angeles County, Calif. Altitude 2,350 feet (716 meters). H, 8. A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad in the Mohave Desert, 25 miles (40 kilo- meters) south of Mohave Stephens. Langley Meadow, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude 11,625 feett (3,542 meters). A small meadow containing a lake immediately west of and under the peak of Mount Whitney. Langley Creek, which rises in this meadow, is one of the three main streams which flow into the North Fork of Kern River from the east, above Whitney Creek. Named in honor of Prof. S. P. Langley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who established his Mountain Camp in this meadow while making observations on solar heat on Mount Whitney in the summer of 1881 Palmer, Dutcher. La Panza, San Obispo County, Calif. G, 4. A post-office near the San Juan River, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of San Luis O uispo Nelson. Las Vegas Ranch, Lincoln County, Nev. (See Vegas Valley). Leach PointValley, San Bernardino County, Calif. F, 11. A valley in the Mohave Desert north of the Granite Mountains. Leach Point Spring on the north slope of the Granite Mountains and south side of the valley, is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Pilot Knob, on the so-called Leach Point road from Pilot Knob to Saratoga Springs in Death Valley. Altitude about 3,500* feet (1,066 meters) ; Merriam, Bailey. Lerdo, Kern County, Calif. Altitude about 411 feet (126 meters). G, 6. A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Bakersfield Nelson. t Langley: Researches on Solar Heat, 1884, p. 194. May, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 373 Lewis Lake, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude,about 9,000* feet (2,743 meters). A small lake on the west fork and near fclie head of Bishop Creek STEPHENS. Liebre Ranch, Los Angeles County, Calif. A ranch at the north .base of the Sierra Liebre, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Elizabeth Lake Merri am, Palmer. Little Lake or Little Owens Lake, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 3,100* feet (944 meters). F, 9. A small lake about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Owens Lake, on the, road from Mohave to Keeler Merriam, Pat.mer, Fisher, Bailey, Stephens. Lone Pine, Inyo Counly, Calif. Altitude [of station] 3,638 feet (1,115 meters. D, 8. A town on the west side of Owens Valley, 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of Owens Lake. The railroad station is on the east side of the valley. Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Lone Willow Spring, San Bernardino County, Calif. F, 10. A spring on the east slope of the Slate Range, opposite Browns Peak. The spring- is in the hills some distance above the wagon road and is almost the only good water on the road between Pilot Knob and 'Mesquite Wells in Death Valley. Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Palmer. Lookout or Lookout Hill, Inyo County, Calif. Alt. about 4,000* feet (1,219 meters). A ruining camp on the east slope of the Argus Mountains near the north end of the range, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Darwin Fisher, Bailey. Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, Calif. H, 4. A town on the road from San Luis Obispo to Sauta Barbara, north of the Santa Ynez Mission.... Merriam, Nelson. Mammoth Pass, California. Altitude about 9,500* feet (2,900 meters). A pass in the Sierra Nevada from the head of Owens River to the head of the San Joaquin Nelson, Stephens. Maturango Peak, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 8,844 feet (2,695 meters). E, 10. The highest peak of the Argus Mountains, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south- east of the town of Darwin Palmer. Maturango Spring, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 6,000 feet (1,829 meters). A small spring on the western slope of the Argus Mountains, 2 or 3 miles (3 or 5 kilometers) south of Maturango Peak, and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of the town of Darwin. Collections were made at the spring and also near the sum- mit of the Argus Range, about 1,300 feet (396 meters) above. Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Palmer. McGill Peak, California. (See Mount Pinos). Meadow Creek Valley, Lincoln Couuty, Nev. B, 15-16. A valley east of the Highland Range, in which is situated the town of Panaca, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Pioche. The name is given on some maps as Meadow Valley Merriam, Bailey. Menache Meadows, California. In the High Sierra north or northwest of Olancha Peak Stephens. Merced River, California. B-C, 3-6. Rises near Mount Lyell and Mount Dana and drains the west slope of the Sierra, between the basins of the Tuolumne and the San Joaquin rivers Nelson. Mesquite Well, Death Valley, California. Altitude —351* feet (107 meters) E, 11. A well on the west side of the valley, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Ben- net Wells Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Palmer. 374 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Mesquite Valley, Inyo County, Calif. D, 10-11. The name given to the northwest arm of Death Valley, 60 or 70 miles (95 or 110 kilometers) in length, which heads under Mount Magruder. The valley lies between the Grapevine Mountains on the cast and the northern part of the Panamiut Range on the west Merriam:, Bailey, Stephens, Nelson. Mill Creek, Inyo County, Calif. A small stream at the extreme northwest end of Panamiut Valley Nelson. Mineral King, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude about 9,000* feet (2,740 meters). E, 7. A summer resort and mining camp near the head of the East Fork of the Kaweah River, north of Farewell Gap Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Mohave, t Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 2,751 feet (838 meters). G, 8. A railroad station in the west end of the Mohave Desert, at the junction of the Atlantic and Pacific with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Merriam, Palmer, Stephens. Mohave t River, San Bernardino County, Calif. G-I, 10-12. The largest stream in the Mohave Desert, usually dry throughout the greater part of its course; it rises on the north slope of the San Bernardino Mountains, east of Caiou Pass, and flows north and then east into a sink known as ' Soda Lake' or the 'Sink of the Mohave.' The river was named by Fremont in 1844, who spelled the -word Mohahve. Monterey, Calif. D, 1. A town on the bay of Monterey. Collections were made between Cypress Point and Pacific Grove Merriam, Bailey. Mormon Mountains, Lincoln County, Nev. C-D, 16. A range in the eastern part of the State near the Utah line. Moran's, Mono County, Calif. A ranch near the head of Owens Valley, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of Ben- ton , Stephens. Monro, San Luis Obispo County, Calif. G, 3. A town on the coast about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of San Luis Obispo. Nelson. Mountain Meadows, Washington County, Utah. B-C, 17. A valley in the southwestern part of the Territory northwest of Pine Valley Mountain. The scene of the Mountain Meadow massacre Merriam, Bailey. Mountain Springs, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 5,501 feet (1,677 meters). E, 14. Springs near the summit of the pass over the Charleston Mountains on the road from Pahrump to Vegas Valley, about 6 or 8 miles (10 or 13 kilometers) north-north- west of Olcott Peak Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. Mount Corcoran, California. Altitude, 14,093 feet (4,295 meters). E, 8. The ' Old Mount Whitney;' renamed by Albert Bierstadt, the artist, in honor of W. W. Corcoran, of Washington, D. C, the first name having been transferred to a higher peak. (See Geog. Rept. Wheeler Survey, I, 1889, p. 99.) Mount LeConte, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 6,580 feet (2,005 meters). E, 11. This is the most prominent peak in the Funeral Mountains, as seen from Bennett Wells in Death Valley. It is the highest point in the range and is nearly due east of Telescope Peak. It was named in honor of Prof. Joseph LeConte, of the Univer- sity of California, by James J. McGillivray,} of Ne*w York, who visited Death Valley in 1883-4. t The spelling is that adopted by the U. S. Board on Geographic Names. i See article entitled: ' In the Valley of Death.' in New York Times, May (?), 1891. Mat, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 37f) Mount Lyell, California. Altitude, L3,042 feet (3,975 meters). B, Li. A 1 1 » ;_; 1 1 peak in the Siena Nevada east of the Yosemite Valley and near the head- waters of the Merced River. Mount Magruder, Esmeralda County, Nev. Altitude about 9,500* feet (2,900 me- ters). C, 9. An important mountain standing at the extreme head of the northwestern arm of Death Valley and at the southern end of the Red or Silver Peak Mountains. The Mount Magruder plateau connects the Grapevine, Panamint and Silver Peak ranges. Merriam, Baixjey. Mount Perry, Inyo County, Calif. E, 11. The highest peak in the northern part of the Funeral Mountains. It is named after Mr. J. W. S. Perry, Superintendent of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, at Daggett, to whom the expedition is indebted for many favors and for much valuable information. Mount Perry has an altitude of about 5,500" feet (1,676 meters), its summit being about 5,700 feet (by aneroid) above Greenland ranch in Death Valley. t , Palmer. Mount Finos, Ventura County, Calif. Altitude, 9,214 feet (2,808 meters). H, 6. The culminating peak of the southern Coast Ranges standing near the northern boundary of the county and at the headwaters of the Cuyama River. Mount Pinos, also known as McGill Peak, may be considered the center from which diverge the various ridges of the Coast Range in this region Nelson. Mount Silliman, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude, 11,623 feet (3,543 meters). D, 7. A high peak in the southern Sierra Nevada situated in the northeast corner of the Sequoia National Park Palmer. Mount Smith, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 6,300 feet (1,920 meters). F, 11. The highest peak at the southern end of the Funeral Mountains and opposite the entrance of Death Valley at Windy Gap. It is named after Mr. F. M. Smith, of San Francisco, President of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, who aided the expe- dition in Death Valley in every possible way. Mount Whitney, California, Altitude, 14,522 feet (4,426 meters). D, 8. The highest point in the United States, first called Fisherman Peak, but after- ward renamed by Clarence King in honor of Prof. J. D. Whitney, Director of the Geological Survey of California. The peak was first ascended August 18, 1873, J and the records of the fourth party who ascended it (July 7, 1875), were still in the monu- ment on the summit when Mr. Dutcher and the writer climbed the peak September 10, 1891. The altitude adopted is that determined by Prof. S. P. Langley, and is based on a series of barometric observations made simultaneously on the peak and at Lone Pine. The elevation given by Whitney is 14,898 feet (4,541 meters) and that adopted by the Wheeler Survey 14,470 feet (4,410 meters) Palmer, Dutcher. Mud Spring. (1) Lincoln County, Nev. [C, 13.] Altitude about 5,600* feet (1,705 meters). A spring in the north end of the Desert Mountains, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Pahranagat Lake MERRIAM, Bailey. (2) Mohave County, Ariz. [G, 16.] A spring at the north end of the Sacramento Valley, abont 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of The Needles, Calif. Collections were made in 1889 by Bailey. t There is a peak immediately north of Mount Perry, which is almost as promi- nent from Death Valley but which is 300 feet (90 meters) lower. tSee Geog. Kept. Wheeler Survey, i, 1889, p. 100. 376 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7 Muddy Valley, -Lincoln County, Nov. D-E, 15-16. A valley northeast of the Muddy Mountains. The stream of the same name flowing through the valley empties into the Virgin River Merriam, Bailey. Mulkey Meadows, Inyo County, Calif. A small meadow on the east slope of the Sierra, ahout 7 miles (11 kilometers) southeast of Big Cottonwood Meadows and ahout 12 or 15 miles (19-24 kilometers) south of Mount Whitney Dutcher, Koch. Nelson Range, Inyo County, Calif. D, 9. A low east-and-west range connecting the Cerro Gordo with the Panamint Moun- tains and separating Saline Valley from the head of Panamint Valley. Named after Mr. E. W. Nelson, who explored the range and the adjoining valleys Nelson. Nordhoff, Ventura County, Calif. Altitude, 819 feet (249 meters). I, 6. A town in the Ojai Valley, northeast of Ventura Nelson. Oasis Valley, Nye County, Nev. C-D, 11. A narrow valley in the southern part of the Ralston Desert southeast of Sarcohatus Flat. It contains the head of Amargosa Creek Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. Olancha, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 3,708 feet (1,130 meters). E, 9. A ranch and post-office 1 mile (0.6 kilometers) south of Owens Lake. Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Stephens. Olancha Peak, California. Altitude, 12,250 feet (3,734 meters). E, 8. One of the highest peaks in the southern Sierra Nevada, ahout 25 miles (40 kilo- meters) southeast of Mount Whitney Stephens. Onion Valley, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, ahout 9,000 or 10,000 feet* (2,740 or 3,050 meters). A meadow or small valley on the east slope of the Sierra at the junction of the three forks of Independence Creek Stephens. Overtoil, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 1,360 feet (414 meters). E, 16. An abandoned Mormon town in the valley of the Muddy, northwest of St. Thomas and 4 miles (6 kilometers) southeast of St. Joe Merriam, Bailey. Owens Lake, California. Altitude, 3,567 feet (1,087 meters). D-E, 9. A shallow alkaline lake 15 miles (24 kilometers) long, 9 miles (14 kilometers) wide, and ahout 50 feet (15 meters) deep. It is situated at the east hase of the Sierra Nevada, southeast of Mount Whitney. Named hy Fremont, in honor of Richard Owens, one of thememhers of Fremont's third expedition. Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Nelson, Bailey, Stephens. Owens River, California. B-D, 7-8. The largest river on the east side of the southern Sierra Nevada. It rises near Mouut Lyell and flows south through a valley of the same name into Owens Lake. Owl Holes, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude 1,790s* feet (545 meters). F, 11. Holes containing hot water on the Leach Poiut road from Pilot Knoh to Death Valh-y, situated on the south side of Owls Head Peak and ahout 13 miles (21 kilo- meters) west-southwest of Saratoga Springs Merriam, Bailey. Pahranagat Lake, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 3,400 feet (1,036 meters). C, 14. A small lake in the south end of the valley of the same name, lying east of the Pahranagat Mountains aud ahout 60 miles (96 kilometers) southwest of the mining camp of Pioche Merriam, Bailey. Mat, 1393.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 377 Pahianagat Range, Lincoln County, Nev. C, 14. A desert range separating Timpahute Valley on the west from Palnanagat Valley on the east - Merriam, Bailey. Pahroc Spring. Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude 5,700* feet (1,737 meters), (approx- imate). B, 15. A spring near the southern end of the Pahroc Range on the east side of the plain of the same name and about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Pioche. Merriam, Bailey. Pahrump Valley. E-F, 12-13. A valley lying on the boundary line between California and Nevada immediately west of the Charleston Mountains and north of Kingston Peak. Collections were made by Fisher, Nelson, and Palmer in the northwest arm near the boundary line; by Nelson and Palmer at Winters' Ranch in the north central part of the valley, and by Merriam and Bailey at Yount's Ranch, 6 or 7 miles (10 or 11 kilometers) southeast of Winters' Ranch. Palm Springs, San Diego County, Calif. The springs formerly known as Agua Caliente in Palm Valley on the Colorado Desert about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of the San Gorgonio Pass and 6 or 7 miles (10 or 11 kilometers) south of the station of Seven Palms on the Southern Pa- cific Railroad Stephens. Pampa, Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 871 feet (265 meters). A station on the Southern Pacific railroad 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Bakersfield Bailey, Fisher. Panaca, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 4,770 (?) feet (1,550 meters). B, 16. A Mormon town in Meadow Creek Valley, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Pioche Merriam. Bailey. Panamint, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, 6,605 feet (2,013 meters). E, 10. A deserted mining camp on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains, about 4 or 5 miles (6 or 8 kilometers) south of Telescope Peak Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Panamint Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. C-F, 9-10. A high range lying immediately west of Death Valley, which it separates from Panamint Valley. The highest point, Telescope Peak, has an altitude of 10,938 feet (3,333 meters) Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Panamint Valley, Inyo County, Calif. E-F, 10. A large valley lying between the Panamint Range on the east and the Argus Moun- tains on the west. The bottom of the valley on the east side of the alkali flat has an altitude of about 1,300 feet (395 meters). Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Paradise Valley, San Bernardino County, Calif. G, 10. A valley in the Mohave Desert southeast of Pilot Knob. The dry lake in the bot- tom of the valley has an altitude of about 3,000* feet (915 meters). Merriam, Palmer, Fisher. Perognathus Plat, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude, about 5,200* feet (1,585 meters). A basin on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains at the head of Emigrant Canon. Named on account of the unusual abundance of pocket mice of the genus Ptrognathus Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. Peru Creek, California. H-I, 6-7. A stream flowing south from Alamo Peak (near the line between Ventura and L«fS Angeles counties) into the Santa Clara River Merriam, Palmer. 378 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. ftfo.7. Pigeon Spring, Esmeralda County, Nov. Altitude, about 6.700* feet (2,040 meters). C,9. A spring ou the northwest slope of Mount Magruder near the California boundary. Mekriam, Bailey. Pilot Knob or Granite Mountain, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, 5,525 feet (1,683 meters). G, 10. A high butte or peak forming one of the most conspicuous landmarks in the Mohave Desert. It is at the west end of the Granite Mountains and about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of the lower end of Owens Lake and about 35 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Daggett and Barstow. On a clear day it can be distinctly seen from the summit of Mount Whitney and Telescope Peak. (See also Granite Mountains.) Pine City. (1) Mariposa County, Calif. A settlement, formerly a post-office, on the west slope of the Sierra, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Wawona, near the southern boundary of the county. (2) Mono County, Calif. A deserted mining camp near the head of Owens River and a few hundred feet below the summit of Mammoth Pass Nelson, Stephens. Pioche, county seat of Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 6,220feet (1,895 meters). B,16. Formerly an important mining camp; in the northern part of the county. Poso, Kern County, Calif. F, 6. A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad in the San Joaquin Valley, 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Bakersfield Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Pozo, San Luis Obispo County, Calif. G, 4. A post-office about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of San Luis Obispo. To be dis- tinguished from Poso, Kern County Nelson. Quartz Spring, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, about 5,200* feet (1,585 meters). D, 13. A spring at. the west base of the Desert Mountains in the north arm of Indian Spring Valley Merriam, Bailey. Queen, Esmeralda County, Nev. Altitude, 6,254 feet (1,906 meters). A station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of Benton, Calif. The Indian Queen mine is situated in the northern end of the White Mountains, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from the station, and at an altitude of about 9,500* feet (2,895 meters) ; the mill connected with it is 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the station, at an elevation of about 7,400* feet (2,250 meters) Stephens. Raymond Well, Kern County, Calif. A spring in the south end of Salt Wells Valley in the Mohave Desert, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of Coyote Holes or Freeman Post-office.. .Stephens. Reche Canon, San Bernardino County, Calif. A narrow valley on the north side of the Box Spring Mountains, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of San Bernardino Stephens. Resting Springs, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude about 1,750* feet (5,320 meters). F, 12. The springs near the Amargosa River, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of the Amargosa borax works Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Rose Store or Station, Kern County, Calif. Altitude, 1,334 feet (406 meters). An old stage station on the road from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of Old Fort Tejon, near the mouth of the Canada do las Uvas. Palmer, Nelson. May, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 379 Round Valley, Inyo County, Calif. a small meadow in the High Siena. 2 miles (.". kilometers) south <>(' Big Cotton- wood Meadows and about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Mount Whitney. Palmer, Fisher. Saint George, Washington County, Utah. Altitude, 2,880 feet (877 meters). C, 17. A flourishing Mormon town near the junction of the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers in the extreme southwestern corner of Utah Mkrriam, Bailey. St. Joe, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 1,650s feet or 503 meters (1,490 feet or 454 meters, Powell). D, 16. A small Mormon settlement in the valley of the Muddy about 15 miles (24 kilo- meters) northwest of St. Thomas Merriam, Bailey. St. Thomas, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude, 1,450* feet or 442 meters (1,180 feet or 360 meters, Powell). E, 16. A small Mormon settlement near the Virgin River, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of the great bend of the Colorado River Merriam, Bailey. Saline Valley, Inyo County, Calif. D, 9. A valley lying northeast of Owens Lake, between the Inyo Mountains and the northern extension of the Panamiut Mountains Nelson. Salt Wells, Death Valley, California. (1) A spring of strongly alkaline water unfit for use, at the south end of Death Valley near the entrance from Windy Gap and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Bennett Wells. Observations made by the U. S. Geological Survey show the altitude of this spring to be 307 feet (93 meters) below sea level. Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey, Nelson. (2) A spring in Mesquite Valley (the northwestern arm of Death Valley) opposite the mouth of Cottonwood Canon. Altitude, about 150 ! feet or 45 meters (Wheeler). D, 10 Stephens, Nelsox. Salt Wells Valley, California. F, 9. The name applied to that portion of the Mohave Desert lyiug south of the Coso Mountains and west of the southern end of the Argus Mountains. Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Stephens. San Bernardino Range, California (see also Sierra Madre). A high range of mountains between the Mohave Desert and the San Bernardino Valley. The highest point, San Bernardino Peak, reaches an altitude of 11,600 feet (3,535 meters). The name is frequently restricted to that part of the range east of the Cajou Pass Stephens. San Emigdio, Kern County, Calif. H, 6. A sheep rauch in the canon of the same name, about 10 or 15 miles (16 or 24 kilo- meters) north of Mount Pifios .Nelson. San Francisquito Pass, Los Angeles County, Calif. Altitude, 3,718 feet (1,133 meters). H-I, 7-8. A pass in the Sierra Licbre leading north from the Santa Clara Valley to Elizabeth Lake and the Mohave Desert Palmer. San Gorgonio Pass, California. Altitude, about 2,800 feet (850 meters). A pass leading from the San Bernardino Valley to the Colorado Desert, through which runs the Southern Pacific Railroad. It is on the boundary line between San Diego and San Bernardino counties Stephens. San Joaquin River, California. B— C, 6. This river rises near the summit of the Sierra Nevada, flows southwest to the San Joaquin Valley, and turning northward empties into San Francisco Bay. The stream referred to in the report is the head of the main river Nelson. 380 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. San Luis Obispo, county seat of San Luis Obispo County, Calif. G, 3. Merriam, Nelson. San Simeon, San Luis Obispo County, Calif. F, 2. A port on bay of same name about 40 miles (65 kilometers) northwest of San Luis Obispo Nelson. Santa Clara Valley. (1) Washington County, Utah. [C, 17.] The valley of the Santa Clara River (a branch of the Virgin River) in the lower part of which the town of St. George is situated Merriam, Bailey. (2) Ventura County, California. [H-I, 6-8.] The valley of the Santa Clara River, a stream rising in the Soledad Pass and flowing westward into the Santa Barbara Channel. (3) Santa Clara County, California. A large valley at the southern end of San Francisco Bay in which are the towns of San Jose and Santa Clara. Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo County, Calif. Altitude, 996 feet (304 meters). G, 3. A post-office and station on the coast division of the Southern Pacific Railroad about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of San Luis Obispo Nelson. Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, Calif. H, 4. A town on the road from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, about 25 or 30 miles (40-50 kilometers) southeast of San Luis Obispo Nelson. Santa Paula, Ventura County, Calif. Altitude 286 feet (87 meters). A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 44 miles (70 kilometers) east of Santa Barbara Nelson. Santa Yflez Mission, Santa Barbara County, Calif. H, 4. An old Spanish mission on the road from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, 25 or 30 miles (40 or 48 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara Nelson. Saratoga Springs, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 352* feet (107 meters). F, 12. Warm springs in the extreme southeast end of Death Valley, near the bend of the Amargosa River, on the road from Daggett to Resting Springs. Merriam, Bailey, Palmer, Nelson, Stephens. Sarcobatus Flat, Nevada. Altitude about 4,400* feet (1,340 meters). C, 10-11. A flat or valley between the Grapevine Mountains and the Ralston Desert, on the boundary between Nye and Esmeralda counties. Named from the greasewood (Sar- cobatus vermiculatm) which covers the clay dunes in the lower part of the flat. Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. Searles' Borax Works, California. (See Borax Flat). Sheep Spring, Lincoln County, Nev. Altitude about 6,700* feet (2,041 meters). B, 16. A spring on the east slope of the Juniper Mountains, about 20 miles (32 kilo- meters) southeast of Pioche Merriam, Bailey. Shepherd Canon, Inyo County, Calif. E, 10. A pass in the Argus Mountains on the road between Coso and Panamint valleys, about 6 or 8 miles (10 or 13 kilometers) south of Maturaugo Peak. Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Shoal Creek, Utah. B, 17. A small stream on the east slope of the southern part of the Juniper Mountains, sinking before reaching the Escalante Desert; about 30 or 35 miles (48 or 55 kilo- meters) northwest of St. George Merriam, Bailey. May, 1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 381 Sierra Liebre, Los Angeles County, Calif. H, 7-8. The name applied to the western part of the Sierra Madre, between Frazier Mountain and the San Francisquito Pass, and lying immediately south of Antelope Valley. The portion of the range between the San Francisquito and Soledad passes is known as the Sierra Pelona Merriam, Palmer. Sierra Madre, California. I, 8-10. A high range of mountains, also known as the San Bernardino Range, forming the southern boundary of the Mohave Desert, and separating it from the San Gabriel and San Bernardino valleys. The name Sierra Madre is commonly restricted to that part of the range west of Cajon Pass. The highest peak is Mount San Antonio, also known as Baldy (altitude 9,931 feet, or 3,026 meters). Slate Range, California. F, 10. A spur of the Argus Range, separating Panamint Valley from Searles' Borax Flat. The highest peak west of Lone Willow Spring has an altitude of 5,598 feet (1,706 meters). Soda Springs, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude about 7,000 * feet (2,134 meters). A camping resort on the North Fork of Kern River on the 'Hocket.t Trail,' at the mouth of Whitney Creek. Locally known as ' Kern River Lakes.' Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Stewart Wells, Inyo County, California. A spring in the extreme northwestern part of Pahrump Valley (near the California and Nevada line), on the road from Resting Springs to Ash Meadows. Palmer, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens. Stoddard Wells, San Bernardino County, Calif. A spring in the Mohave Desert, on the direct road from Victor to Daggett, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of the latter point Palmer, Fisher. Surprise Canon, Inyo County, Calif. A canon on the west slope of the Panamint Mountains, a little south of Telescope Peak. The abandoned mining camp of Panamint is situated in the canon, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) above its mouth, at au altitude of 6,605 feet (2,013 meters). Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Table Mountain, Nye County, Nev. C, 12. A high mountain or mesa in the southern part of the Ralston Desert some distance north of Ash Meadows Stephens. Tehachapi, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 4,025 feet (1,226 meters). G, 8. A town and station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, situated in a valley of the same name, at the summit of Tehachapi Pass Merriam, Palmer. Tehachapi Mountains, California. (See Tejon Mountains). Tehachapi Pass, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 3,832 feet (1,168 meters). G, 8. A pass in the Tehachapi Mountains, through which the Southern Pacific Railroad runs, just east of the peak of the same name and about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Walker Pass i Merriam, Palmer. Tejon Mountains, Kern County, Calif. G-H, 7-8. A range known also as the Tehachapi Mountains, running southwest and northeast, separating the San Joaquin Valley from the Mohave Desert and connecting the southern Sierra Nevada with the southern Coast Ranges. The highest points are Tehachapi Peak (altitude 8,056 feet, or 2,455 meters), Double Peak (8,263 feet, or 2,518 meters), and Mount Pinos (altitude 9,214 feet, or 2,808 meters). The four prin- cipal passes are Walker, Tehachapi, Tejon, and the Canada de las Uvas. 382 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Tejon Pass, Kern County, Calif. H, 7. A pass in the Tejon Mountains, southwest of Tehachapi Fass and the mountain of the same name. Formerly used as a wagon pass from the bead of the San Joaquin Valley to the Mohave Desert Palmer. Tejon Ranch, Kern County, Calif. Altitude about 1,450 feet (440 meters). Three miles west of the mouth of Tejon Pass, at the extreme southeast end of the San Joaquin Valley and about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of the mouth of the Canada de las Uvas Palmer. Telescope Peak, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 10,938 feet (3,333 meters;. E, 10. The highest peak in the Panamint Mountains, west of Bennett Wells in Death Valley Fisher, Bailey. Temploa Mountains, California. A low range of mountains between the San Joaquin Valley and the Carrizo Plains. On the boundary between San Luis Obispo and Kern counties Nelson. Thorpe Mill, Esmeralda County, Nev. An abandoned quartz mill at the east foot of tbe Grapevine Mountains and on the west side of Sarcobatus Flat, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) soutbeast of Gold Mountain Merriam, Bailey, Stephens. Timpahute Valley, Nevada. B-C, 13-14. A desert valley lying near the boundary line between Nye and Lincoln counties, between the Timpahute Range on the west and Pahranagat Range on the east. Merriam, Bailey. Three Rivers, Tulare County, Calif. E, 7. A post-office about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Visalia, in the foothills of the Sierra near the junction of the North, East, and South forks of the Kaweah River Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Trout Meadows, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude about 6,000* feet (1,829 meters). The meadows on the trail from Mineral King to Soda Springs, just west of the divide between Little Kern River and the North Fork. Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Tulare, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude 282 feet (85 meters). E, 6. A town on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 11 miles (18 kilometers) southwest of Visalia Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Tule Spring, Esmeralda County, Nev. C, 9. A spring in Tule Canon, on the south slope of Mount Magruder. Merriam, Bailey. Twelve Mile Spring, Inyo County, Calif. A spring on the road from Resting Springs to Pahrump Valley, 12 miles (19 kilo- meters) north of Resting Springs Palmer, Fishkr, Nelson, Stephens. Twin Oaks, San Diego County, Calif. A post-office in Merriam Valley, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of the old mission of San Luis Rey and 5 miles west of Escondido Merriam, Koch. Vegas Valley, Lincoln County, Nev. E, 14. A large valley in the southern part of the State, directly east of the Charleston Mountains. Vegas Ranch, on the east side of the valley, lias an altitude of 2,074 feet (631 meters) MERRIAM, BAILEY, Nelson. Vegas Wash, Lincoln County, Nev. E, 15. The wash running from Vegas Valley to the Colorado River near the Great Bend, and 4 miles south of the site of Callville Merriam, Bailey, Nelson. May,1893.] LOCALITIES VISITED BY THE EXPEDITION. 383 Victor, San Bernardino County, Calif. Altitude, 2, 713 feet or 827 meters (S, C. Ry.). I, 10. A station on the Southern California Railway, on the Mohave River, a few miles uorth of Cajon Pass and 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of San Bernardino. Merriam, Palmer, Fisher. Virgin River, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. C-E, 16-18. A large stream which rises in southwestern Utah and empties into the Colorado River about 15 miles (24 kilometers) «ast of the Great Bend. The Virgin Valley referred to in the report is the valley along the lower part of the river, in the State of Nevada Merriam, Bailey. Visalia, the county seat of Tulare County, Calif. Altitude, 348 feet (105 metersj. E, 6 Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Walker Basin, Kern County, Calif. G, 7-8. A valley about 8 or 10 miles (13 or 16 kilometers) south of Havilah, on the road between that point and Caliente. Mossman's Ranch in the south end of the valley has an altitude of 3, 157 feet (961 meters) Merriam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher. Walker Pass, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 5,100 * feet or 1,555 meters (5,322 feet or 1,622 meters, Wheeler). F, 8. A wagon pass through the south end of the Sierra Nevada from the South Fork of Kern River to the Mohave Desert. Named by Fremont in honor of Joseph Walker, guide on the third Fremont expedition Merriam, Palmer, Fisher, Bailey. Watkins' Ranch, Nye County, Nev. A ranch in Ash Meadows 3 or 4 miles (4 or 6 kilometers) west of King Spring, owned by George Watkins. The base camp o'f the expedition was located here for several weeks in March, 1801, and collections were made by Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Waucoba Peak, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 11,267 feet (3,431 meters). One of the highest peaks in the Inyo Mountains, situated at the head of Saline Val- ley, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of the town of Independence.. Nelson. Wawona, Mariposa County, Calif. A stage station in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada on the Raymond and Yosemite Valley road, 36 miles or 58 kilometers (by roail) north of Raymond, Fresno County Nelson. White Mountains, Inyo County, Calif. B, 8. A high range on the east side of Owens Valley, forming a northern continuation of the Inyo Mountains. The highest point, White Mountain Peak, has an altitude of 14,245 feet (4,342 meters) Merriam. Bailey, Nelson. Whitney Creek, Tulare County, Calif. The largest stream entering the North Fork of Kern River from the east; it rises in Whitney Meadows 8 or 10 miles (13 or 16 kilometers) south of Mount Whitney and empties into the North Fork of Kern River near Soda Springs. Whitney Meadows, Tulare County, Calif. Altitude 9,371 feet (2,856 meters). Large meadows near timber-line at the head of Whitney Creek, about 10 miles (16 •kilometers) south of Mount Whitney and 3 miles (5 kilometers) southwest of Big Cot- tonwood Meadows Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson, Stephens, Dutcher. Wild Rose Spring, Inyo County, Calif. Altitude 4,060 feet (1,237 meters). E, 10. A spring situated in a canon of the same name on the west slope of the Panauiint Mountains, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Telescope Peak. Merriam, Bailey, Fisher, Stephens. 384 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 7. Willow Creek, Inyo County, Calif. A sinal] stream in the Panamint Mountains rising on the west side, near the summit of the divide in Cottonwood Canon. It ilows down a rocky canon and sinks at the border of of Saline Valley Nklson. Willow Spring, Kern County, Calif. Altitude 2,573 feet (783 meters). H, 8. A spring in the western part of the Mohave Desert about 13 miles (21 kilometers.) southwest of Mohave on the road from Tehachapi to Los Angeles via the San Fran- cisquito Pass. It should be distinguished from Lone Willow Spring, San Bernardino County, near the entrance to Panamint Valley Mekkiam, Palmer. Windy Gap, Inyo County, Calif. F, 10-11. A broad, open canon (also known as Long Valley), connecting the south end of Panamint Valley with Death Valley. The name is sometimes restricted to the eastern end of the canon near the entrance to Death Valley. Mekkiam, Palmer, Bailey, Fisher, Nelson. Winters' Ranch, Nye County, Nev. A ranch in the northeastern part of the Pahrump Valley, about 4 miles (6 kilome- ters) from the west base of the Charleston Mountains Palmer, Nelson, Bailey. Wood Canon, Calif. A canon on the east slope of the Grapevine Mountains southeast of Grapevine Peak and near the eastern boundary oi California Nelson. Yosemite Valley, Mariposa County, Calif. Altitude about 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). B, 5. The well known valley on the Merced River celebrated for its scenery Nelson. Yount's Ranch, Nye County, Nev. A ranch in Pahrump Valley, near the west base of the Charleston Mountains. Mekkiam, Bailey, INDEX. [ "Names of new genera and species are given in heavy type.] Abies ronrolor. .140. magnifica, 340. Acacia greggii, 301. Acamptopappns aphserocepbalna, 309. AraiitliopliYsn, gen. nov.. 202. Acantliophvsa echinata, ap. nov., 262. Accipiter atricapillna striatnlus, 37, 154. cooperi, 36, 150, 154. velox. 35-36, 150, 154. Acer negnndo, 297. Acorns eaten by band-tailed pigeon, 31. California woodpecker, .30. valley quail, 28. AoridiidsB, 251-252. Actitis macularia. 23-24. Adenostoma fascicnlatum, 302. iEchmophorna occidentals, 12. JSgialitia montana, 20. nivosa, 25-20, 154. voeifera. 24-25. 150, 154. Aeronautes melanoleucus, 55-56, 151, 155. JEseulus californica, 297. Agaristida?, 245. Agave utahensis. 287, 359. Agelaiiis gnbernator, 75. 155. phceniceus, 74 75, 151, 155. Alaudes singnlaris, 236. Aluus rbombifolia, 333. Ameiurus nebulosua, 229. Anielancliier aini folia, 287, 307. Anieles, 266. Anmiodraniussandwicheusisalaudinus,86.15l,l56. sandwichensis bryanti, 86-87. Anniii'ola micrococcus, sp. nov., 277-278. porata, 278. Ampelis cedroruni. 113, 157. Ampbiachyris fremontii, 309. Anipliispi/.a belli, 96. belli nevadensis, 96-98, 15?. 15-3. hilineata, 95-90, 152, 156. Anas ainerieana, 16, 150. boachas.15, 150,143. carolinensia, 16, 150. cyanoptera, 16-17, 150, 153. discors, 10, 153. strepera. 15-16. Andrenidse, 246. Anodonta nuttalliana, 283. Anser albifrons gambeli, 18, 150, Antliicidff, 243. Anthocoridse, 250. 12731— No. 7 25 Antliocoris musculus, 205. Anthrax, 254. fenestratoides, 251. Anthrax (Stonyx) sodoni, ap. nov.. 231. Anthribidae, 24::. Anthus pensilvanicus, 125, 152. 157. Aphelocoma ealiloruica, 70, 155. woodhonaei, 69. Aphoebantna vittatus, 254. Apidae, 246. Ajdopappus monactis, 309. Apterina polita, sp. nov., 259. Aquila cbrysaetos, 38-39, 154. Arachnida, 252. Arbutus ineiizicsii. eaten by band tailed pigeons 31. Archibuteo ferrugiueus, 38. Arctiida?, 245. Arctomeeoif californicum, 290. merriami, 290. Arctostapbylos glauca, 318. pungens, 318. Ardea egretta. 20. herodiaa, 19-20, 153. virescens, 20, 153. Argyromosba dapbne, 254. Artemisia arbnscula, 316. rUiiblia, 316. spinescens, 315. tridentata, 312-315. Ash, 320-321. Asio accipitrinus, 42. wilsonianns, 42. Atriplex caneseens, 326-327. conl'ertifolia, 32S-325. hymenelytra. 325. lentiformis, 327. parryi, 325. polycarpa, 286, 325-326. torreyi. 327 328. Andibertia, sec Salvia. Auriparus flaviceps, 142. Aytliya aniericana, 17, 153. collaria, 18. vallisneria, 18. Baooharia glutinosa, 309. Bascaiiion flatrellnm frenulum, subsp. nov., 203 209. Interale, 209. t tenia turn, 210. Easilima millefolium, 302. SS5 386 INDEX. Batrachians, list of, 101. report on, 219-228. Beechey's speriuophile, eaten by Cooper's hawk, 36. Berberis fremonti, 287, 289, 290. Berytrid®, 249. Betula occidentalis, 332. Bibio hirtus, 259. Bigelovia douglassi, 309. graveolens, 309. teretifolia, 309. Birch, 332. Birds of Death Valley, Calif., 150-152. of Owens Valley, Calif., 153-103. report on, 7-158. Bittern, 19, 153. Blackbird, bioolored, 75, 155. Brewer's, 78- 79, 151, 150. red-winged, 74-75, 151, 155. yellow-beaded, 73-74, 151, 155. Blattidffi, 251. • Blepbaropeza adnata, 256. Bluebird, mountain, 148-149, 152-153. western, 148. Botaurus lentiginosus, 19, 153. Boxelder, 297. Braconidse, 247. Bradycellus cognatns, 236, 237. Branta canadensis (subspecies?), 150, 103. canadensis hutchinsii, 19. canadensis occidentalis, 19. Bruchidse, 242. Bubo virginianus subarcticus, 43. Buckeye, 297. Buf'o boreas nelsoni subsp. nov., 220 221. halopkllus, 220. lentiginosus 'woodhoiisei, 221. punctatus, 219. Buliuiulus alternatus, 273. dealbatus, 273. serperastrus, 274. Bunting, lark, 108. lazuli, 107-108, 152, 156. Bnprestidse, 241. Bush-Tit, California, 141, 157. lead-colored, 141-142. Buteo borealis ealurus, 37-38, 150, 151. lineal us elegans, oi. swainsoni, 38. Buzzard, turkey, 150, 154. Byrrhidse, 241. Bythinella protea, 27S-281. seemani, 278. Bythoscopidse, 250. Cactuses, report on, 345-352. Calamospiza melanocorys, 103. CalandridsB, 243. Calidris ar en aria, 23. Callipepla californica, 27. californica vallicola, 28-29, 154. gambeli, 29-30, 150. Callisaurus ventralis, 170-173. Calosoma prominens, 237. Calospasta, 236-237. C'alypte anna, 58, oostfe, 7, 8, 66-W, J51, 155, Campylorhynchus, sec ITeleodytcs. Capsidae, 249-250. Carabidse, 239. Carinifex newberryi, 277. Carpodacus cassini, 79-80. mexicanus frontalis, 80-81, 151, 156 purpureas californicus, 79. Cassia arniata, 299. Castanopsis chrysophylla, 334. Cathartes aura, 34, 150, 154. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus, 133-134, 152. Catostomus ara?opus, 229. Ceanothus cuneatus, 297. divaricatus, 297. fendleri, 297. Cedarbird, 157. Centrocercus urophasianus, 31. Ceophlajus pileatus, 49. Cerambycidas, 242. Cercis occidentalis, 287. 299. Cercocarpus ledifolius, 305. parvifolius, 305. Cercopidae, 251. Cereus engelmanni, 346. mohavensis, 346-347. Ceryle alcyon, 46, 151, 151. Chietora vauxii, 55, 155. Chalcididae, 248-249. Chauiasa fasciata hcnshawi, 110. Charadrius squatarola, 24. Charina plumbea, 203. Charitonetta albeola, 18, 153. Chat, long-tailed, 123-124, 152, 157. Chelidon erythrogaster, 110-111, 15G. Chelopus, see Clcinmys. Chemisal, 302. (.'hen hyberborea, 18. Chickadee, California, 140. mountain, 139-140, 157. Chilopsis linearis, 322. Chondestes grammacus strigatus, 87-88, 156. Chordeiles texensis, 7, 8, 53-54, 151, 155. virginianus henry i, 53, 151. Chorizanthe rigida, 332. Chrysomelidae, 242. Cicindelidae, 239. Cinclus mexicanus, 125-120, 157. Circus hudsonius, 35, 150, 154. Cistothorus palustris paludicola, 130, 152, 157. Clemmys marmorata, 162. Cleridae, 241. Clivicola riparia, 112, 156. Cnemidophorus tigris, 198-200. tigris undulatus, 200-201. Coccinellidic, 240. Coccothraustes vespertinus montanus, 79. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis, 45, 151, 154, Colaptes cafer, 50-51, 151, 155. Coleogyne raniosissima, 286, 302-305. Coleonyx brevia (Key), 163, 164. dovii (Key), 163. elegans (Key), 163. variegatus, 162-163, 164. Coleoptera, 239-243. Columba fasciata, 3J, ColyOiiOjB, zi\). INDEX. 387 Colymbns auritus, 13. nigrieollis californicus, 12, 13, 150, 153. Comastes sackcni, sp. nov., 255. Contopus borealis, 63. lichardsoni, 64, 155. Coot, 21-22, 150, 153. CoreidiB, 249. Corinielsenidae, 249. Cormorant, Baird's, 14. Brandt's, 14. Earallon, 14. Corvus americanus, 71-72. corax sinuatus, 70-71, 151, 155. Corylophidae, 240. Cossidas, 245. Cottonwood, 335. Cowania niexicana, 287, 305-30G. Cowbird, 73, 157. Crane, little brown, 20-21. Creeper, California, 136. Cremastocbilus westwoodii, 23G. Creosote bush, 286, 293-295. Crophius diseonotus, 263. Crossbill, Mexican, 81-83. Crotalus cerastes. 216-218. lucifer, 218-219. tigris, 214-216. Crotaphytus baileyi, 165-1CG. silus, 170. wislizenii, 167-1G3. Crow, 71-72. Cryptophagida3, 240. Cuckoo, California, 45, 151, 154. Culex, 253. Cnlex inornatus, sp. nov., 253. Curculionidne, 243. Curlew, Hudsonian, 24. long-billed, 24, 154. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus, 72-73, 155. Cyanocitta .stelleri, 68. stelleri frontalis, 69, 155. Cypseloides niger, 54, 155. Cyprinodon macularius, 232-233. L'yprinodon macularius baileyi, subsp. nov., 233. Cyprinus carpio, 231. Dafila acuta, 17, 150. Daleafremonti, 298-293. johnsoni, 299. polyadcnia, 293. Dascyllidse, 241. Dendragapus obscurus fnliginosus, 30-31. Dendrocygna fulva, 19, 153. Dendroica sestiva, 118-119, 157. auduboni, 119, 120, 152, 157. nigrescens, 120-121. occidentalis, 121-122. townsendi, 121-122. Dermestid.T, 240. Desert willow, 322. Diadophis pulcbellus, 203-201. Dipsosaurus dorsalis, 164-165. Dove, mourning, ,32-33, 150, 154. Dracotetlix plutonius, sp. nov. 2G7-2C3. Dryobatts nuttalli, 47-48. pubescens gairdnerii, 47, ecalaris bairdi, 7, 8, 47, Dryobates villosus hyloscopus, 46-47, 154. Duck, baldpate, 16, 150. blue-winged teal, 16, 153. bufflehead, 18, 153. canvasback, 18. cinnamon teal, 16-17, 150, 153. fulvous tree, 19, 153. gadwall, 15-16. golden-eye, 18, 153. green-winged teal, 16, 150. harlequin, 18. mallard, 15, 150, 153. merganser, 15. pintail, 17, 150. red-breasted merganser, 15, 153. redhead, 17, 153. ring-necked. 18. ruddy, 18, 150. scoter, 18. shoveller, 17, 150, 153. surf scoter, 18. widgeon, 10. Dytiscidae, 239. Eagle, bald, 39. golden, 38-39, 154. Echinocactus johnsoni, 351. polyancistrus, 351-352. polycephalus, 351. wislizeni lecontei, 353. Egret, 20. Elanus leucurus, 34. Elasmocerus, 236. Elateridao, 241. Empetrichthys merriaml. gen.et.sp. nov. 233 231. Empidonax difticilis, 64-65. hammondi, 65. pusillus, 65, 155. wrightii, 65-66, 151, 155. • Encelia frutescens, 312. Encoptolophus pallidus, sp. nov., 2G6. Ephedra nevadensis, 286, 335-336. viridis, 287, 336-337. Ephydra hians, eaten by shoveller, 17. snowy plover, 25-26. Texas nighthawk, 53. western wood pewee, 61. Epliydra tarsata, sp. nov., 257-258. Erax aridus, 254. Ereunetes occidentalis, 23, 154. Eriodictyon tomentosum, 320. Eriogonum inflatum, 332. polifolium, 331-332, Erismatura rubida, 18, 150. Eucnide urens, 308. Eumeces skiltonianus, 201-203. Eunieuidae, 247. Eurotia lanata, 329-330. Eutasnia, sec Thamnopliis. Euxesta spoliata, sp. nov., 257. Falco columbarius, 40, 154. mexicanus, 39-40, 150, 154. peregrinus anatum, 40. sparverius deserticolus, 40-41, 154, Ealcon, prairie, 39-40,150, 154. Fallugia paradoxa, 287,306-307. Finch, California purple, 79. Cassiu's purple, 79-80. 388 INDEX. Finch, house, 80-81,151,156. Fishes, list of, 229. report on, 229-234. Flicker, red-shafted, 50-51, 151, 153. Fluuiinicola fusca, 281. fusca minor, 282. nierriami, 281-283. nuttalliana, 282. Flycatcher, Arkansas, 155. ash-throated, 60-61,151,155. Baird's, 64-65. Hammond's, 65. little, 65, 155. olive-sided, 63. vermilion, 7, 8, 66. Wright's, 65-66, 151,155. Formicidpp, 247. Forficulidpe, 251. Franseria dumosa, 286, 311-312. eriocentra, 312. Fraxinus anomala, 320. coriacea, 319. Frcniontodendron calitbrnicum, 293. Fulica americana, 21-22, 150, 153. Fulgorid», 250. Galgulidaj,250. Gallinago delicata, 22-23, 150, 154. ftarfraphia opacula, sp. nov., 263. Garrya veatchii iiavcscens, 287-303. Gasterosteus williamsoni, 234. ( Seococcyx californianus, 44-45, 151, ICi. Geomotridas, 246. Geothlypis macgillivrayi, 122, 157. trichas occidcntalis, 123, 152, 157. Geron, 255. Gcrrhonotus burnettii, 197-198. scincicauda, 195, 196. Gerrhonotus scincicauda palmeri, subsp. nov., 196, 197. Glandina decussata, 270. singleyana, 270. texasiana, 271. Glaucionotta clangula americana, 18, 153. Glossapetalon nevadense, 296. spinescens, 297. Gnatcatcher, black-tailed, 144. plumbeous, 144. western, 143-144, 152, 157. God wit, marbled, 23. Goldfinch, 83. Arizona, 85. Arkansas, 84-85, 156. Lawrence's, 85. Goose. Hutchin's, 19. lesser snow, 18. white cheeked, 19. white-fronted, 18, 150. Gopherus agassizii, 161-162. Goshawk, 37,154. Grasshoppers, eaten by Brewer's blackbird, 78. burrowing owl, 44. California woodpecker, 50. desert spai'row hawk, 41. gray -crowned leucostieto, 82. Lewis's woodpecker, 50. Grasshoppers, eaten by mallard. 15. raven, 70. Swainson's hawk, 38. western red-tailed hawk, 37. Grayia polvgaloides {see G. spinosa.) spinosa, 286, 328-320. Grebe, eared, 12, 150, 153. horned, 13. pied-billed, 13. western, 12. Grosbeak, black headed, 105-106, 156. pine, 79. western blue, 106 107, 152, 156. western evening, 79. Grouse, sage, 31. sooty, 30-31. Grus canadensis, 20-21. Gryllid®, 251. Gniraca cserulea eurhyneha, 106-107, 152, 156. Gull, Bonaparte's, 14, 153. California, 13, 14, 153. glacous-winged, 13. Hecrmann's, 14. ring-billed, 14, 153. Habia melanocephala, 105-100, 158. Haliasetus leucocephalus, 39. Harrnostes propinquus, 260. Harporhynchus crissalis, 130. lecontei, 7, 9, 128-130, 152, 157. redivivus, 128. Hawk, Cooper's, 36,150, 154. desert sparrow, 40-41, 151, 154. duck, 40. ferruginous roughleg, 38. marsh, 35, 150, 154. pigeon, 40, 150, 154. red-bellied. 38. sharp-shinned, 35-30, 150, 154. Swainson's, 38. western red-tail, 37-38, 150, 154. Heleodytes brunneicapillus, 130-132, 157. Heliciua chrysicheila, 282. tropica, 283. Helix (Arionta) arrosa, 272. (Arionta) coloradoensis, 271-272. (Arionta) cypreophila, 272. (Arionta) lnagdalenensis, 269,271. (Arionta) mormonuni, 272. (Arionta) tudiculata, 272. (Mesodon) thyroides, 273. (Poly'gyra) bicrurus, 273. (Polygyra) texasiana, 273. (Praticola) berlanuieriana, 273. (Praticola) griseola, 272. Helniinthophila celata ■ lutescens, 118. Incise, 117. rnlicapilla giitturalis, 117. Heloderma suspeotum, 194^195. Heron, black-crowned night, 20, 150, 153. great blue, 19-20, 153. gwsen, 20, 153. Hesperida?, 244. Hesperocichla na-via, 147. Heteractitis incanus, 23. Heterogamea, 266, INDEX. 389 Heteromeles arbutifolia, 307. Heteroptera, 249-250. Himantopns mexicanas, 22. Histerida-, 241. Histrionicus histrionicus, 18. Holodiscus discolor, 302. Homoptera, 250-251. Hoplomaclius censors, sp. nov.. 2G4-205. Hamming-bird, Anna's, 58. black-chinned, 56, 155. broad tailed. 58-59. calliope, 59. Costa's, 7, 8, 50-5S, 151, 155. rufous, 59. Hydropnilidse, 239. Hylaregilla, 222-224. Hymenoclea salsola, 310-311. Hyinenoptera, 216-249. Hypsiglena chlorophsea (Key). 205. ochrorhynchns (Key), 201-205. Hypsiglena texana. sp. nov., 205. Ibis, white-faced glossy, 19, 150, 153. Ichneumonidse, 247-248. Icteria vireus longicauda, 123-124. 152, 157. Icterus bullocki, 77-78, 151, 156. parisorum, 7, 8, 76-77. Insects, reports on, 235-268. Isonieris arborea, 291. arborea globosa, 291. Ixodida?, 252. Jay, blue-fronted, G9, 155. California. 70. 155. piiion, 72-73. 155. Steller's,0.s. "Woodhouse's, 69. Jassidte, 251. Joshua, see Tree Yucca. Judas bush, 299. J unco liyeinalis, 92-93. hyemalis shufeldti. 8, 93. hyemalis thurberi, 7, 8, 93-94, 15C. pinosus.95. Junco, Point Piiios, 95. Shufeldt's,8,93. slate-colored, 92-93. Thurber's, 7, 8, 93-94, 156. Juniperus ealifornica; 340-341. californica utahensis, 2S7. 341-342. occidentalis, 343. occidentals monosperma, 343. Killdeer. 24-25, 150, 154. Kingbird, 59, 155. Arkansas, 59-80. Cassin's, 60. Kingfisher, belted, 40, 151. 154. Kinglet, rnby -crowned, 142-143, 152. western golden-crow lied, 1-13. Kite, white-tailed, 34. Kramcria canescens, 292. parvJfolia, 286: 291-292. Kunzia glandulosa, 302. tridentata, 287, 302-303. Lampropeltis boylii, 204. Lampyriidse, 241. Lanius ludovicianus excubi tor ides, 111-115, 152. 157. Lark, desert horned, 66-67, 155. Mexican horned, 07-68. 155. Larrea tridentata, 28C, 293-295. Larus californicns, 13-14, 153. delawarensis, 14, 153. glaucescens, 13. heermanni, 14. Philadelphia, 14, 153. Lathridiidae, 241. Lepidomeda vittata, 231. Lepidoptera, 244-246. Leptoypha mutica. 264. Leucosticte atrata, 83. tephrocotis, 7, 8, 82-C3. Leucosticte, black, 83. gray-crowned, 7, 8, 82-83. Libocedrus decurrens, 340. Limax campestris, 271. Limnsea bulimoides, 275. caperata, 274. humilis, 275. nuttalliana, 274-275. Limosa fedoa, 23. Limosina aldriehi, sp. nov., 259. Lizards, eaten by western red tailed hawk. 37. Localities visited by the expedition, 3C1-384. Locustidse, 251. Loon, 13. Lordotus diversus, 259. Lordotus sororculus, sp.nov.. 255. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi, si-82. Lycaenidae, 244. Lycium andersoni, 286, 320-321. cooperi, 321. pallidum, 322. torreyi, 321. Lygffiidse, 249. Lygffiosonia, 262. Lygaeosoma solida sp. nov., 2C2. Lygasus melanopleurus sp. nov., 2C2. Magpie, black-billed, 68. yellow-billed, 68. Malachiidao, 241 . Malvastrum rotundifolium, 232. Maiiiniillaria, 352. Manzaiaita, 318. Martin, western, 109. Masaridae, 247. Meadowlark, western, 75-70, 151, 155. Meconiycter, 2:!6. Megascops asio bendirei, 43. Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi, 49-50. torquatus, 50, 154. uropygialis, 50. Melanodexia, gen. nov., 250 257. Melanodexia tristis, sp. nov., 257. Melanostoma, 255. Meloida-, 243. Melospiza fasciata lallax, 9S-99. fasciata graminea, 100, fasciata guttata, lo0. fasciata heermanni, 89-100, 150. fasciata montana, 99, 152. fasciata ruliua, 100. lineolni, 100-101,150. Membracidae, 250. 390 INDEX. Menodora spinosa, 28C. spinescens, 318-319. Merganser americamis, 15. serrator, 15, 153. red-breasted, 15, 153. Merula migratoria propinqua, 146-147, 152, 153. Mesquite, 299-300. Micropns, see Aeronautes. Mimus polyglottos, 127-128, 152, 157. Mistletoe berries, eaten by pbainopepla, 113. Mocking bird, 127-128, 152, 157. Molothrus ater, 73-74.'151. Mollusks, report on, 269-283. Monanthia labeeulata sp. nov., 264. Mordellidse, 243. Mortania scabrella, 296. Mountain mahogany, 305. Mulberries, eaten by cedar-wax wing, 113. Murre, California, 13. Mutillidse, 247. Myadestes townsendii, 144-145, 157. Myiarcbns cinerascens, 60-61, 151, 155. Myrmeeida?, 247. Nabidie, 250. Nemobius, 26G. Nighthawk, Texas, 7, 8, 53-54, 151, 155. western, 53, 151. Nitidulidae, 241. Noctuida?, 245. Notipliiln decorls, sp. nov., 253. Notodontidse, 245. Notonectidai, 250. Numenius budsonicus, 24. longirostris, 24, 151. Nutcracker, Clark's, 72,155. Nuthatch, pygmy, 137-138. red-bellied, 137. slender-billed, 136-137. Nycticorax nycticorax nasvius, 20, 150, 133. Nympbalidas, 244. Oaks, 333-334. Oidemia americana, 18. perspicillata, 18. Omophron dentatum, 237. Oucunyia, abbreviata, 255. Ophibolus, see Lain propel ti3. Opuntia acanthocarpa, 347. basilaris, 349-350. bernardina, 347. echinocarpa, 347-348. engelnianni occidcntalis, C30. parryi, 348-349. pulchella, 349. raniosissima. 349. rutila, 350-351. whipplei. 348. Oreortyx pictus plumiferns. 7, 8. 2C-27, 154. Oriole, Bullock's, 77-78,151,156. Scott's, 7,8,76-77. Oroscoptes inontanus, 126-127, 152, 157. Orthoptera, 251-252. Osprey, 41-42, 151. Othniidse, 242. Otiorhynchidae, 243. Otocoris alpestris arenicola, 66-67, 155. alpestris chrysolanua, 67-68, 155. Ousel, water, 125-126, 157. Owl, barn, -k2, 154. burrowing, 44, 151, 154. California screech, 43. long-eared, 42. short-eared, 42. spotted, 42. western horned, 43. Pamera nitidula. sp. nov., 262-2C3. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 41-42, 151. Pantarbes capito, 259. Papilionidas, 244. Partridge, plumed, 7, 8, 26-27. Parus gambeli, 139-140, 157. inornatus, 138. inornatus griseus, 138-139. rufescens neglectus, 140. Passerella iliaca megarhyncha, 101-102, 156. iliaca schistacea, 102. iliaca unalascheensis, 101. Passerina amcena, 107-108, 152, 156. Patula striatella, 271. Peaches eaten by house finch, 80-81. Pelecanus californicus, 14, 15. erytbrorhyncbos, 14, 153. Pelican, California brown, 14, 15. white, 14, 153. Pelomyia, gen. nov., 258. Pelomyia oeeideiitalis, sp. nov., 253. Pentatomida-, 249. Peraphyllum ramosissimum, 287, 307. Perognathus impaled by white-rumped shrike, 114. Petalonyx parryi, 308. Petrochelidon lunifrons, 110, 156. Peueaea cassini, 7, 98. ruficeps, 98. Penceaphyllum schottii, 316. Pewee, western wood, 64, 155. Pbainopepla nitens, 113-114, 157. Phalaeridie, 240. Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatus, 14. pelagicus resplcudeus, 14. penicillatus, 14. Phalsenoptilus nuttalli, 51-52, 151, 155. nuttalli californicus, 52-53. Thalarope, Wilson's, 22, 150, 153. Pbalaropus tricolor, 22, 150, 153. Phoebe, black, 63,151,153. Say's, 61-62,151,155. Phrynosoma blaim illii, 187-190. Plirynosoma eernunse, sp. nov. 187. Phrjnosoma goodei, sp. nov., 191-192. platyrhinos, 190-194. Physa gyrina, 276. heterostropba, 276-277. Phycitidm, 246. Pica pica hudsonica, 68. nuttalli, 68. Ticicorvus columbianus, 72, 153. Pigeon, band-tailed, 31. Pinacodera punctigera, 237. l'ine nut eaten by piiiou jay, 73. Pine siskin, 85. Pinicola enucleator, 79. Pifion, 287, 337, 338. INDEX. 391 l'mus aristata, 339. balfouriaaa, 330. tiexilis. 340. jeflreyi, 339. lambertiana, 340. monophylla, 287* 337-338. montieola, 339. mnrrayana, 339. pouderosa, 338. ponderosa scopulormu, 339. sal iiiiiaii.1, 339. Pipilo aberti, 105. chlorurus, 103-104, 156. fuscua mesoleucus, 105. fuscaa crissalis, 105. maculatus megalonyx, 102-103, l",G. maculatus oregonus, 103. Pipmiruliis aridus, sp. nov.,255-25G. Piranga liepatica, 109. ludoviciana, 108-109, 150. Pisidium occidentale, 283. Pituophis catenifer, 20G. catenifer deserticola, 20G-2CS. Piano rbis liebmanni, 275. lentus, 275. parvus, 275. trivolvis, 275. Platiinns occidentals, 332. Platyehirus peltatus, 257. Plegadia guarauna, 10, 150, 153. Ploas fenestrate, 259. Plover, black-bellied, 24. killdeer, 24-25, 150, 154. mountain, 26. snowy, 25-26. 154. riucliea sericea, 310. Pocket gopber eaten by western rod-tailed hawk, 37. Podilymbas podiceps, 13. Polioptila caerulea obscura, 143-144. 152. 157. californica, 144. plumbea, 144. Pooofetes graminens eonfinis, 85, 156. Poor-will, 51-52. 151, 155. Populus Eremontii, 335. Porzana Carolina, 21. 153. Proctotrypidffi, 248. Progne snbis besperia 1.09. Proiiotaeantlia aniiiilala. gen.ot sp. nov., 2C0-2C1. Prospherysa sp., 256. Prosplierysa similis, sp. nov. ,,256. Prbsopis juliflora, 299-300. pubescens, 300-301. Prunus andersoni, 302. fasciculata, 287. 301. virginiana (or demissa), 302. Psaltriparns minimus calilbrnicus, 141, 157. plumbeus, 141-142. Pselaphidaj, 240. Psendogryphus californianus, 33-31. Pseudopis, 236. Pseudotsuga macrocarpa, 340. Psilocephala, 254. Psyllida-,251. l'tinida-,242. Pupa (Vertigo) pentodon, 273. Pursbia, see Knnzia. Pyrocephalus rubiiieus mexicanus, 7, 8, GO. Pyromorphidse, 245. PyrrhocoridsB, 249. Pytbidae, 242. Quail, California, 27. Gambol's, 29-30, 150. plumed, 7, 8, 26-27, 154. valley, 28-29, 154. Quercus douglasii, 333-334. duniosa, 334. gambelii, 287 kelloggii, 334. lobata, 333. nndulata, 287, 333. wislizeni, 334. Rail, Carolina. 21, 153. Virginia, 21, 150, 153. Rallus virginianus, 21, 150, 153. • Rana aurora. 225-226. boylii, 226 227. draytonii, 225. Rana flsheri sp. nov., 227-223. Rana pipiens brachycephala, 228. ]intios:i, 226. Raven, 70 71. 151, 155. Recurvirostra americana, 22. 153. Redm iid», 250. Regulus calendula. 142-143, 152. satrapa olivaceus, 143. Rena bumilis, 203. Reptiles, list of, 100-161. Reptiles, report on, 159-219. Rltamnus crocea, 297. Kliinitlillij s (Apocope) nevadonsis, sp. nov., 230-231. (Apocope) velifer, sp. nov., 229-230. Rbus diversiloba, 298. trilobata, 287, 297-298. Ribes leptanthum bracbyantbum, 307-308. menziesii, 308. Road-runner, 44-45. 151, 154. Robin, western, 146 147, 152, 158. Robinia neomexicana, 287-299. Rosa sp.?, 307. Round-tail spermopliile eaten by western red tailed hawk, 37. Rutilus symmetricus, 231. Sagebrush, 312 315. Salazaria mexicana, 280, 323. Salda explanata, sp. nov., 2C5. interstitialis, 265. SaldidsB, 250. Salix laevigata,, 334. longtfolia, 331. nigra, 335. Salmo irideus, 231. mykiss agua-bonita, 232. Salpinctes obsoletus, 132-133, 152, 157. Salvadora grahamiaa hexalepis, 205-206. Salvia carnosa, 322. pilosa, 322. Sand cricket, eaten by westei'u red tailed hawk, 37. Sanderling, 23. Sandpiper, least, 23, 154. 392 INDEX. Sandpiper, spotted, 23-24. western, 23, 151. Sapsucker, red-breasted, 48-49. red -n aped, 48. "Williamson's 49. Sarcobatus baileyi, 330. vermiculatns, 331. Sauromalus :iter, 173-175. Sayornis saya, 61-62, 151, 155. nigricans, 63, 151, 155. Scaphiopus hammondi, 222. Scarabseidae, 242. Sceloporus bi-seriatus, 184-186. Sceloporus boulengeri, sp. nov., ISO. graciosus, 183-181. magister, 178-183. occidentalis, 186-187. Sceloporus orcutti, sp. nov., 181. Scirtettica oecidentalis, sp. nov., 267 Scolocophagus cyanocephalus, 78-79, 151, 1; Seolytidie, 243. Scorpion eaten by western horned owl, 43. Screw bean, 300. Scorpionid®, 252. Scyliina delicatnla, 238. Seiurus noveboraceusis notabilis, 122. Selaspliorus platycereus, 58-51). rnfus, 59. Sequoia gigantea, 310. Service berry, 307. Sesiidse, 245. Shells, list of, 270. Shrike, white-rnmped, 114-115, 152, 157. Shrubs, report on, 285-332, 335-137. Sialia arctica, 148-149, 152, 158. niexicana, 148. Silphid®, 239. Simulium argus, sp. nov., 253-251. Sitta canadensis, 137. carolinensis aeuleata, 136-137. py gin ?ea, 137-138. Snake eaten by desert sparrow hawk, 41. Snipe, Wilson's. 22-23, 150,151. Solitaire, Townsend's, 144-145, 157. Sora, 21,153. Sparrow, Bell's, 96. black-chinned, 7, 8, 92, 150. black-throated, 95-96, 152, 156. Brewer's, 91-92, 152, 150. Bryant's marsh, 86 87. Cassin's 7, 98. desert song, 98-99. Gambel's, 89-90. golden-crowned, 90. lleermann's song, 99- 100, 153. intermediate, 88-89, 151. Lincoln's, 100-101, 156. mountain song, 99, 152. rufous-crowned, 98. rusty song, 100. sage, 90-98, 152,156. Santa Barbara song, 103. slate-colored, 102. sooty song, 100. thick billed, 101 1C2. Townsend's, 101. Sparrow, western chipping, 90. western lark, 87-88, 156. western savanna. 80, 151, 156. western tree, 90. western vesper, 85, 156. white-crowned, 90. white-throated, 90. Spatula clypeata, 17, 150, 153. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea, 44, 151, 154. Sphingida?, 245. SphaBralcea monroana, 292-293. SphecidsB, 247. Sphyrapicus ruber, 48-49. thyroides, 49. varius nuchalis, 43. Spinus lawrencei, 85. pinus, 85. psaltria, 84-85, 156. psaltria arizoiue. 85. tristis, 83. Spizella atrignlaris, 7, 8, 92, 156. breweii, 91-92, 152, 150. monticola ochracea, 90. socialis ari/.onie, 90. Spyrostachys, see Allenrolfea. Stanley a pinnata, 290-291. Staphylinidffl, 240. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 112-113,152,15". Stellula calliope, 59. Stenodactylus variagatus, 163,161. Sterna maxima, 14. Stilt, black-necked. 22. Sturnella magna neglccta, 75-76, 151, 155. Streptcstyla sololensis, 271. Strix pratincola, 42, 154. Suaeda suffrutescens, 330. Succinea luteola, 274. oregonensis, 274. Swallow, bank, 112, 156. barn, 110-111,156. cliff, 110, 156. rough-winged, 112-113, 152, 156. tree, 111,152. violet-green, 111-112, 152, 156. Swift, black, 54, 155. Vaux's, 55, 155. white-throated, 55-56, 151, 155. Sycamore, 332. Sylvania pusilla pileolata, 124, 157. Symphemia semipalmata inornata 23. Symphoricarpos longifolius, 287, 308. Syrnium occidentale, 42. Tabanus punctifer, 259. Tachycineta bicolor, 11, 152. thalassiua, 111-112, 1 52, 153. Tanager, hepatic, 109. western, KtS 109, 156. Tanarthrus, 236. Tattler, wandering, 23. Tenebrioniihe, 242. Tern, royal, 14. Tetradymia canescens, 310. comosa, 318. glabrata, 28G, 316-317. spinosa, 280, 317-318. Stenolepis, 318. INDEX. 393 Tetragonoderus pallidus, 237. Thaiunophis elegaus, 211-212. hammomlii, 212-213. infemalis, 210-211. parietalis, 214. vagrans, 213-214. Thamnosma montana, 286,296. Thereva vialis, 254. Thrasher, California, 128. crissal, 130. LeConte's, 7, 9, 128-130, 152, 157. sage, 126 127,152, 157. Thrush, Audubon's hermit, 143, IDS. dwarf hermit, 145-146. GrinneH's water. 122. olive-backed, 1 15. russet-backed, 145, 158. varied. 147. Thryothoras bewickii bairdi, 134-135, 152, 157. bewickii spilurus, 134. Tingitidse, 250. Titlark, 125*152,157. Titmouse, gray, 138. plain. 138-139. Torreya,*ee Tumion. Totanus melanoleucus, 23, 154. Towhee, Abert's, 105. California, 105. canon, 105. green-tailed, 103-104, 150. Oregon, 103. spurred, 102-10:1,156. Trees, report on, 332-335,337-343. Tridactylus, 266. Tringa miuutilla, 23, 154. Triodites mus, 259. Triplasius novus, sp. liov., 254-255. Troehilus alexaiulri, 56, 155. Trogkvjytes aedon aztecus, 135, 157. Tyrannus tyrannus, 59,155. verticalis, 59-60, 155. vociferans, 60. Tryonia fusca, 281. Tumion californicuih, 343. Tardus aonalascbk.c, 145-146. aonalaschksa audoboni, 110. iss. nstulatus, 145, 158. nstulatus swainsonii, 145. Unio anodontoides, 283. berlandieri, 283. Oria troile californica, 13. Urinator, 13. Uta graciosa, 177. stansbnriana, 175-177. Veliidse, 250. Vireobelliipusillus, 116-117. 152, 157. gilvus swainsonii, 115-116, 157. Boli taring cassinii, 116. solitarius plumbeus, 116. vicinior, 117. Cassiu's, 116. Vireo, gray, 117. least. 110-117, 152, 157. plumbeous, 116. western warbling, 115-116, 157. Vitis californica, eaten by cedar waxwing, 113. Vulture, California, 33-34. turkey. 34. Warbler, Audubon's, 119-120, 152, 157. black-throated gray, 120-121. Calaveras, 117. hermit, 121-122. Lucy's, 117. lutescent, 118, 157. Macgillivray's, 122, 157. pileolated, 124, 157. yellow, 118-119, 157. Townsend's, 121. 157. Waxwing, cedar, 113. Wild sunflower, eaten by Arkansas goldfinch, 84. Willet, western, 23. Willows, 334-335. "Woodpecker, Baird's, 7, 8, 47. Cabanis's, 46-47, 154. California, 49- 50. Gairdner's, 47. Gila, 50. Lewis's, 50, 154. Nuttall's. 47-48. pileated. 49. white-headed, 48. Wood rat, eaten by western horned owl, 43. Wren. Laird's, 134-135, 152. 157. cactus, 130-132, 157. canon, 133-134, 152. rock, 132-133, 152, 157. tule, 136, 152, 157. Vigor's, 134. western, 135, 157. Wren-tit, pallid, 140. Xanthocephalus xanthoeephalus, 73-74, 151, 155 Xantusia vigilis, 198. Xenopicus albolarvatus, 48. Xerobates, see Gopherus. Yellow-headed tit, 152. Yellow-throat, western. 123, 152, 157. Yellow-legs, greater, 2::. 154. Yucca aborescens, 353. baccata, 352-353. brevifolia, 353-358. data? 358-359. macrocarpa, 358. wbipplei, 359. Yuccas, report on, 352-359. Zenaidura macroura, 32-33, 150, 154. Zonotrichia albicollis, 90. eoiouata, 90. leucophrys, 88, 156. lencophrys gambeli, 89-90. leucophrys intermedia, 88-89, 151. PLATE I. 1. Sceloporus clarMiB.&Q. Type. (2940) 'Sonora.' 2. Sceloporus magister Hallow. (18120). Mohave Desert, California. 3. Sceloporus zosteromus Cope. Type. (5208). Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. 4. Sceloporus orcutti Stejn., sp.riov. Type. (10330). Milquatay A7alley, San Diego County, Calif. 5. Sceloporus boulengeri Stejn., sp. nov. Type. (14079). Presidio, western Mexico. 6. Sceloporus floridauus Baird. Type. (2874). Pensacola, Fla. On all the figures — a represents top of head; all natural size except fig. G, which is 1J times natural size. b represents the scales bordering the left ear anteriorly; all twice natural size. c represents oue of the dorsal scales; all 2| times natural size. 394 North American Fauna, No. 7. Plate I. 1. Sceloporus clarkii. i. S. magister. 3. 8. zosteromus. 4. S.orcutti. 5. 8. boulengeri. 6. 8. floridanus. PLATE II. [All natural size.] 1. Phrynosoma cnrnutum Blainv. (12618). Cape St. Lucas, Lower California. 2. Phrynosoma MainviUii (hay. (18459). Old Fort Tejon, Calif. 3. Phrynosoma goodei Stejii., sp. nov. Type. (8567a). Coast of Sonora, Mexico. 4. Phrynosoma platyrhinos Girard. (18461). Ash Meadows, Nevada. On all the figures — a represents head in profile. h represents top of head, mandibular spines excluded. c represents mandible from below, maxillar and other cephalic spines excluded. 396 North American Fauna, No. Plate II, "--■ :-■ c £k a 3c S 4c 1. Phrynosoma cornutum. 2. P. blainvillii. 3. P.goodei. Type. 4. P. phityrliinos PLATE III. 1. a, b, c, Xantusia vigilis Baird. ( 18019. ) Hesperia, Calif. (Twice natural size.) 2. a, b, c, Salvadora hexaJepis (Cope). (18060.) Argus Range, California,. (Natural size.) 3. a, b, Bufo halophilus B. & G. (18726.) Lone Pine, California. (Natural size.) 4. a, b, Bufo boreas nelsoni Stejn., subsp. nov. Type. (18712.) Oasis Valley, Nevada. (Natural size.) 5 a. b, c, Eanafishcri Stejn., sp. nov. Type. (18957.) Vegas Valley, Nevada. (Natural size.) 398 North American Fauna, No. 7. Plate III. 1. Xantusia vigilis. 2. Salvadora hexalepis. 3. Bnfn halophUus. 4. Bufo boreas nelsoni. subsp. nov. 5. Rana fisheri. sp nov. North American Fauna, No. 7. PLATE IV. The Chuck-walla {Sauromalus ater). Argus Range, California. PLATE V. Fig. 1. Empcfriclithys merriami Gilbert, sp. nov. Type. Ash Meadows, Nevada. Fig. 2. Pharyngeals and gill arches from the side. (4£ times natural size.) Fig. 3. Pharyngeals and gill arches from behind. (44 times natural size.) Fig. 4. Lower pharyngeals from above with adherent ceratobranchials of fourth gill arch. (5 J times natural size.) Fig. 5. Same from below. (5J times natural size.) On all the figures — a represents ceratobranchials of fourth gill arch. b represents lower pharyngeal bones. c represents epibranchial of fourth arch. d represents upper pharyngeal bouoa. 400 CO cj '■■# j 3?f C^sS* •*^s PLATE VI. 1. EJiiniclitfajs (Apocope) tier adcn sis Gilbert, sp. nov. Type. Ash Meadows, Nevada. 2. Bhinichthys (Apocope) velifer Gilbert, sp. nov. Type. Pahranagat Valley, Nevada,. 402 North American Fauna, No. 7. Plate VI. § ,^' 1. Rhinichthys (Apocope) vu vadt nsis sp. nov. Type. •I. Rhinichthys (Apocopt I velifer sp. nov. Type. mr-rrr" ; ■ -■."-- ?-t?-^."*t* 'WJMBbAWPBW North American Fauna, No. 7. Plate XIII. YUCCA ARBORESCENS. Mohave Desert, California. ^ ^ wrtp,% ygnaamn N. Am. Fauna, No. 7. Map 2. ft?' ,*ri? - ■'^ =;•:';■'■■--■ : ■&- m fe^l^ ;;r. .- j<$» N. Am. Fauna. No. 7. Map 3. N. Am. Fauna. No. 7. Map 4. ' ■ O^si^ ' ^ls> #5 £ S !* ", N. Am. Fauna, No. 7. Map ^ AUG'- 5 '893 Silfilli