78 The Irish Naturalist. August, 



Squirrel feeds most extensively during the summer and 

 autumn months. After the fungi I place foods derived from 

 a few other trees less largely patronised than the five I 

 named first. These (according to my notes) are the Spanish 

 Chestnut (Castanea saliva), the Maple {Acer campestre) , the 

 Hawthorn {Crataegus oxyacantha) , the Yew {Taxus baccata), 

 and the Silver Fir {Abies pectinata). 



I do not find the Ash, Elm, or Sycamore mentioned, 

 though it is probable that the seeds of ail may be occasion- 

 ally consumed. To the list of foods I must, however, add 

 the common Blackberry, and I have reason to think that 

 Bilberries sometimes also furnish a meal. 



Now as to the extent of the Squirrel's dependence on 

 each of the named sources of supply, I will take the various 

 trees in order. 



(i) The Scotch Fir. — This tree is placed first because its 

 cones are abundantly consumed by the Squirrel during 

 every month of the year, and because it can always be 

 relied on to bear an abundant crop. The fresh green cones 

 are first attacked in a forward year in June, otherwise in 

 July ; but the}^ continue to be extensively eaten throughout 

 the whole year, and yield a supply so unfailing as to render 

 any idea of a winter hoard for the Squirrel absurdly un- 

 necessary. During the winter months, and especially in 

 December and January, the Squirrel also feeds largely on 

 the buds and young flowering shoots of this Pine, which 

 continue to be eaten until May. 



(2) The Larch. — The utility of this tree is in many years 

 quite equal to that of the Pine, for its cones are an equally 

 favourite food from the time when they are attacked in 

 their green stage in June or July until the next crop is 

 ready, or for several m.onths longer if the next crop should 

 fail. The tree must, however, be put second to the Pine, 

 because it cannot be trusted to produce a crop of cones 

 every -year. In 1891, for example, it produced none in the 

 Ballyhyland neighbourhood, and in 1893 it was almost a 

 total failure. In the early part of the year (chiefly in 

 February), the buds of this tree, as well as the cones, are 

 eaten. 



