a. Southern R a c e—Ovis c anadensis nelsoni
Ovis nelsoni, Merriam, Proc. Soc. Washington, vol. xi. p. 218
(1897).
Characters.—Somewhat inferior in size to the typical, K r Rocky
Mountain race, and much paler in colour, with the molar teeth decidedly
smaller. The general plan of coloration is stated to be very much the
same as in O. canadensis Jstonei, but the pallor is even more marked when
compared with that form. The light caudal disk is Sfmall and completely
divided in the middle by a dark line ; the tail is relatively
short and slender; and the cheek-teeth are unusuallyglmall. General
colour of upper-parts, except the caudal disk, pale dingy brown ; underparts
much darker, and contrasting strongly with the white areas ; abdominal
region, together with a streak in the middle line, continued
forwards nearly to the fore-legs, inner side of thighs, and hinder surface
of legs white.
Dr. Merriam remarks that, compared with the north-western race, “ The
contrast in colour is even more marked, but the pattern seems to be the
same, and the darkening of the under-parts is also a character of stonei."
No mention is made in the original description of the size and shape of the
horns, but from Mexican specimens that have come under my notice these
seem to be generally similar to those of stonei.
Distribution.—Typically the Grapevine Mountains, on the boundary
between California and Nevada, a little south o f 37s N. latitude, probably
also including the semi-barren desert ranges1 of Mexico and the
Southern United States, from Texas to California.