492 



THE GRAY SQUIRREL. 



membrane is delicately thin, scarcely thicker than ordinary writing-paper, when it is stretched 

 to its utmost, and is covered with hair on both its surfaces, the fur of the upper side being 

 chestnut, and that of the lower surface nearly white. A stripe of grayish-black hairs marks 

 the edge of the membrane, and the entire abdomen of the animal, together with the throat and 

 the breast, is covered with beautiful silvery grayish-white fur. 



THERE are many other Flying Squirrels, belonging to different countries, but presenting 

 very similar characteristics of form and character. They are all playful and lively animals, 

 and engage in the most gamesome sports as they chase each other about the branches of the 



tree on which they have taken up their residence. Among 

 these creatures we may record the names of the ASSAPAN, 

 or Flying Squirrel of America, the POLATOUCHE of Siberia, 

 and the RASOO of India. 



SQUIRRELS are found in every part of the world except- 

 ing in Australia. Even in the latter country there are flying 

 animals that so closely resemble the Flying Squirrels it is 

 impossible to determine them without examining the teeth, 

 which are those of the curious forms seen among the 

 pouched animals. 



One species only of the Flying Squirrels is native to 

 North America. It is a very common animal in New Eng- 

 land, and often proves a pleasing pet, being easily tamed. 

 It extends through the eastern portion of the continent, and 

 into South America as far as Guatemala. 



The Chickaree (Sciurus hudsonicus), called Red Squir- 

 rel in the country, is a familiar form. Like many other 

 of our native animals, this exhibits more than one variety. 

 A Western form, the same species, but varying in some 

 coloration or markings, is found in the Rocky Mountains. 

 This is a noisy little creature, and gains its name from its 

 usual cry. 



The Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis] is familiar to 

 all in our country side. Its large size renders it an attrac- 

 tive game for the hunter. The markets in winter are well 

 supplied with them. 



In the South a variety is found, somewhat smaller. 

 Another variety is found in Yucatan and Mexico, which is 

 intermediate between the last mentioned and the h'rst. 



The eastward range of this Squirrel is New Brunswick. 

 It is remarkable for its habits of migration. Dr. Bachman, the eminent naturalist of South 

 Carolina, witnessed a migration of these animals in the year 1808, in autumn. A short distance 

 above Albany a troop of Gray Squirrels suddenly made their appearance. They swam the 

 Hudson in some places between Waterford and Saratoga. Those which were noticed crossing 

 the river, were swimming deeply and awkwardly, with their bodies submerged. Many were 

 drowned, and those which were fortunate in reaching the opposite bank were so wet and 

 fatigued that they were readily killed. The motive for this extraordinary movement was sup- 

 posed to be the temporary failure of supplies of food. 



The Fox Squirrel (Sciiirus niger) is a large animal, having three distinct varieties. The 

 Northern Fox Squirrel has a length of body varying from thirteen to fourteen inches. In the 

 South it is called Cat Squirrel. 



Another form is the California Gray Squirrel (Sciurus fossor). It differs in being larger 

 than the Eastern form, and has a much larger tail. It lias none of the reddish hue on the back 

 so characteristic of the latter. Collies' Squirrel is a near relative, and has its Jiabitat in the 

 neighboring State of Mexico. 



ASSAPAN. Sciur6pterui mtuceUa. 



