J. Rockgea - 1943 58 Eumeces skiltonianus Feb. 3, 1943 Continuation of notes written in the lab after collecting 17 skinks on the way walking from Grinda Junction to Bala Peak (1-1/2 mi SE Bala Peak) on the highest part of the ridge (opposite a big mail from Bala Peak and about 200 yards NW of the big eucalyptus grove) the top of the hill is almost without rocks, and is covered with grass and thistles (+ other weeds). Last summer we walked thru this small area several times on the way to rocky country to collect skinks and saw more skinks running through the grass there than in any other place of similar size. Walt Dalquist claimed he saw six there one day and swore that if he had my pistol he could have collected a dozen there in an hour. That was doubt an exaggeration, but at least six skinks were seen there in four or five trips thru the area anyway. Also, we felt reasonably sure of having heard others. To-day when I came thru the area I noticed that it is just thick with Microtus workings. Microtus burrows are so thick that the whole area feels soft and cushiony as one walks across it. It's possible that Microtus furnish the required retreats for skinks. It's also possible that other animals attracted to the burrows serves as food for skinks.