NATURAL HISTORY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 93 



shire, but as I have heard some genuine reports 

 from countrymen, of nests found suspended in 

 thistles, and similarly constructed to those of 

 the above named animal, we may suspect its 

 presence in this county. 



Genus, Sciurus, the Squirrel. 



Sp. 20. Sc. Vulgaris, Common Squirrel. This active 

 creature is found in abundance in all the thickly 

 wooded parts of the country, as at Kitley, 

 Radford, Saltram, &c. It is taken alive by 

 means of boxes with trap doors. 



Genus, Myoxus, Dormouse. 



Sp. 21. My. Muscardinus, Common Dormouse. Sha- 

 ped betwixt the murine and the squirrel tribe, 

 this animal, from its delicacy of form, has 

 always possessed a large share of claims to the 

 same kind of protection as the squirrel receives, 

 and accordingly whether within the rude grasp 

 of the peasant or the precincts of the diminu- 

 tive cage of its wealthier retainer, it suffers 

 equally from confinement, becomes stifled by 

 caresses, and the period of its life is shortened 

 to a few days or weeks. Under the protection 

 of the man of science, supplied with ample 

 space and food suited to its economy, it has 

 become an interesting spectacle, and has been 

 subservient during its hibernation to the most 

 _ enlightened experiments. It is no where abun- 

 dant but is occasionally detected in thick 

 hedge rows about plantations, as at Yealmpton, 

 and Saltram. 



Genus, Lepus, Hare tribe. 



Sp. 22.' Lepus Timidus, Common Hare, and 



Sp. 23. Lepus Cuniculus, Common Rabbit, are animals 

 well known to every one. Poaching has done 

 much towards the extirpation of hares from this 

 country. 



