THE SWAMPS OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 31 



me from seeing the muzzle of my gun, that I thought of the nearest way 

 home ; which I was often assisted in finding by the incessant sparkling of 

 the Fire-Flies, the brilliancy of whose light frequently induced me to pause 

 in contemplation of the wonderful economy of so extraordinary an insect. 



This is also the principal season for Bee-hunting, which I had an oppor- 

 tunity of witnessing, as practised by the Indians. But as it is, no doubt, 

 well understood, it is unnecessary for me to enter into any explanation. 



As I have still far to travel, before reaching the Swamps, perhaps I may 

 be permitted to notice a few of the playful and beautiful Squirrels which I 

 had an opportunity of seeing. 



The Red Squirrel, (Sciurus Hudsonius,) which is very much like our own, 

 is both plentifully and widely distributed over the Northern States, and 

 through the Canadas. The Chipmonk {Tamia striatus) is a veiy interesting 

 and active little fellow. He is principally a ground-squirrel, and far more 

 familiar and unsuspecting than any of the other species with which I am 

 acquainted. I recollect, on one occasion, whilst laying concealed behind a 

 fence, watching for a shot at a Woodchuck or Ground-Hog, {Arctomys 

 monatc,) several coming close to me, and one even jumping across my knee. 

 And, while at the ruins of Ticonderoga, I was greatly amused, by observing 

 a number of them actively employed in catching grasshoppers, all around 

 me, and frequently within a few yards. The only portion of that insect 

 which they appeared to relish, was the head and part of the body, which 

 they so quickly removed, that I scarcely think the grasshopper discovered 

 his loss till some time afterwards ! 



The first specimen of the Black Squirrel {S. niger) which I saw, Avas 

 in Lower Canada; and my immediate pursuit of him, and disappearance 

 over some stumps, and through some brushwood, will not soon be forgotten. 

 I afterwards killed many fine specimens, none of which would measure less 

 than twenty-six inches. But in no district could I find so many, in so short 

 a time, as I did in the neighbourhood of the Falls of Niagara. Considerable 

 manoiuvring is required to shoot them during the leafy season of the year, 

 they are so much concealed by the thick foliage. The mode of accomplish- 

 ing this is, to keep quiet and listen well, and you will hear the nutshells, 

 from which they have extracted the kernels, dropping through the leaves, — 

 thus betraying the place of their concealment. 



I found no Gray Squirrels (5". Carolinensis) there ; but, on reaching the 

 valley of the Genessee, they became very numerous. They are remarkably 

 fine eating, as all squirrels are, and are hunted in the States exclusively for 

 that purj)ose. 



The Fox Squirrel {8. vulpinus) I first saw near Fox River, in Wisconsin. 

 He is, so far as I know, the largest Squirrel to be found in that country. 

 I have frequently, while seated on a fallen log in the forest, been much 

 amused with the curiosity displayed by the black and gray Squirrels; 



