Mearns, Edgar A., Mexican boundary survey, 1892 - 1893

Abstract

The field book document Edgar A. Mearns' field work relating to the Mexican Boundary Survey, January 1892 - June 1893. The "Mammal Register" includes notes and a wide variety of lists and tables of information on specimens and observed birds and mammals. These are intermixed throughout the volume. Some lists include notes about habitat and preparation, others include varying amounts of measurement information. Notes on the inside front cover relate to computations, staffing (names), and specimen data. Pages are numbered. The register begins with journal notes that are dated, and describe travel details (destinations, method of travel, time of day) beginning from Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Mearns lists types of flora and fauna (birds, mammals) observed enroute and their populations. Notes also describe local populations, local industries and crops, and terrain. Journal entries cover January 28, 1892 - February 29, 1892. |Entries also include extensive lists of fauna observed and their population size, per daily entry. If there are specimens for the type, sometimes the field number is listed next to it. Sometimes additional information about measurements, age and sex are included. Specimen tables includes a variety of information, usually field number, date, type (scientific name), sex, age, 5 different measurements. Notes also cover birds and nests. |There are loose inserts listing specimen and approximately 20 different measurements. Locations sometimes specify geographic location (mountain range) or ranch name. There is a geological section of Turkey Canyon. Locations include Sierra Blanca mountains, El Paso, Texas; Rio Grande; Carrizalillo, New Mexico; San Jose Mountains, Sonora, Mexico; Arizona. In the front is a loose insert relating to specimens from Antarctica.

Date Range

1892-1893

Start Date

Dec 31, 1891

End Date

May 31, 1893

Access Information

At least 24 hours advance notice is recommended to consult this collection. Contact the Division of Mammals at 202-633-1253 to make an appointment.

Topic

• Animals
• Birds
• Mammalogy
• Plants
• Ornithology
• Botany

Place

• United States
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Rio Grande River
• Mexico
• Arizona

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes

Accession #

SIA Acc. 12-263

Collection name

Division of Mammals collection, Edgar Alexander Mearns Field Books, 1872 - 1893

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Division of Mammals