The talpid lethal is a simple autosomal recessive character which exerts its lethal effect usually by the eighth to tenth day of incubation. The lethal embryos are characterized by a variety of anatomical abnormalities, of which the duplication of the digits, shortening of the spinal column and the proximal bones of the appendages, and severe ectopia are the more prominent. The lethal gene is known to have been present in the departmental flock for at least eight years previous to its recognition. The gene ta for the lethal character probably does not belong in the “Cp R U”, “D M”, nor “F I Cr” linkage groups.