SCIUROPTERUS VOLUCELLA. 2OI 



The modifications of structure that adapt it to its habit of life 

 are by no means so great as in the case of the mole or bat, and yet 

 it is not less inseparably associated with an almost exclusively 

 arboreal existence than are these others with the special conditions 

 of their environment. 



Flying Squirrels make their nests in the hollows of trees, 

 frequently taking possession of deserted woodpecker's holes. They 

 are easily aroused and driven out by hammering against the trunk. 

 I have thus expelled the occupants of as many as half a dozen nests 

 in a single clay's hunt. Their progeny must be brought forth early 

 in April, for on the 3Oth of April, 1878, Dr. C. L. Bagg and myself 

 took three half-grown young from a woodpecker's hole, about fifteen 

 feet above the ground, in a decayed stub. They did not seem at 

 all frightened, but were tame and gfentle from the beofinnino", and 



O c> O O 



my sister and I kept two of them alive. At night they were ex- 

 cessively active and playful, but, unless disturbed, would sleep 

 during the greater part of the day. They preferred to remain 

 upon our persons, and one used to sleep in my pocket. At first it 

 could jump but a short distance, and if placed upon a chair or table 

 became very unhappy and would come to the edge nearest the 

 place where I was standing and cry to be taken. If I extended 

 my arm and approached it, the little creature, trembling with 

 delight, would stand on its hind legs and leap upon my hand ; 

 thence, either running up my sleeve or down my neck, it would 

 nestle in my bosom and sleep for hours, or until forcibly removed. 

 Prof. F. H. King, in a recent communication, records an experience 

 with the young of this species that calls to mind many of the actions 

 and peculiarities of those that I have had. He says : " I have never 

 known wild animals that became so perfectly familiar and confiding 

 as these young squirrels did ; and they seemed to get far more 

 enjoyment from playing upon my person than in any other place, 

 running in and out of pockets, and between my coat and vest. 

 After the frolic was over they always esteemed it a great favor if 



