242 



Handbook of Nature-Study 



5. Where does the chipmunk make its home? How does it carry 

 away soil from its burrow? How many entrances are there? How is 

 the den arranged inside? Does it live in the same den the year round? 

 When does it retire to its den in the fall? When does it come out in the 

 spring? 



6. Does the chipmunk do any damage to crops? What seeds does it 

 distribute? At what time do the little chipmunks appear in the spring? 



7. Observe carefully the different tones of the chipmunk and com- 

 pare''^ chattering with that of the squirrel. 



Supplementary reading Squirrels and Other Fur-Bearers, John 

 Burroughs; American Animals, Stone and Cram. 



The Eastern C hipmunk. 

 TO A CAPTIVE CHIPMUNK OF THE SIERRAS 



BrigJit little comrade from the woods, come show 

 Thv antic cheer about my sunlit room 

 Of books, that stand in moods of gloom 

 Because thought's tide is out, heart's rhythm is low 

 \\'itli weariness. Friendly tlioit art and know 

 Good friend in me, who yet did dare presume 

 To take tliee from thy home, thy little doom 

 To make for thce, and longer life bestow. 

 So, tliou hast not been eaten by the snake; 

 Thv gentle blood no weasel drank at night: 

 Thou hast not starved 'mid winter's frozen wood, 

 Nor waited vainly for the sun to make 

 Sweet the wild nuts for thcc. Yet, little sprite, 

 Thou still doth question if my deed were good? 



IRENE HARDY. 



