ISO 



THE MUSEUM. 



Oakland County, by Mr. J. W. An- 

 derson. It is a rare species, but as it 

 is also found in Indiana it is probable 

 that its range will be extended. 



Chipmunk; Ground Scjuikrel. 

 T a mi as striatiis, L. 



An abundant woodland species, 

 building it nest in the ground, old 

 dead logs and stumps, and sometimes as 

 much as fifty feet from the ground in a 

 suitable hollow. Occasionally forms 

 nests of leaves and grass in bushes, 

 sometimes as much as fifteen feet 

 from the ground. This little fellow, 

 the smallest of our squirrels, hyber- 

 nates thoroughly, although always 

 supplying himself with a good seasons 

 Slock of provisions. From under a 

 log occupied by a chipmunk, I once 

 took a half bushel of butternuts, and 

 it is a common occurrence also to find 

 walnuts, hickory nuts as well as great 

 quantities of acorns. It would seem 

 from this, that the little fellows evi- 

 dently supply this larder with a view 

 of occasionally waking up from their 

 long winter nap and taking some re- 

 freshments. 



The pleasing little chatterers are 

 rarely seen from the last sunny days 

 of November until March. One finds 

 tiny tracks in the woods when 

 the snow becomes a little 

 soft in late February or early March 

 indicating that the sleepers have 

 waked up for a little recreation or per- 

 haps with a view to foraging as the 

 provision in store may be running low. 

 We do not hear the cheerful, chirping 

 notes, however, until the snow is 

 about gone, and it is during the reign 

 of the violets and buttercups that the 

 chipmunks seem happiest. 



Red Souirrel; Chickaree. 

 Sciiirus luidso/iiiis, Erxl. 



A well distributed species, found in 

 all kinds of wooded lands and around 

 villages and farms. More fond of 

 heavy timber and low land than of 

 oak openings. Our most common 

 species. 



This squirrel is encouraged to stay 

 among us, and from the fact that it is 

 rarely shot, being too small for the 

 table, has become quite familiar. It 

 often builds its nest, and for aught I 

 know rears young in garrets, cellars, 

 barns and sheds. A pleasing and ac- 

 tive fellow. I have seen a red squirrel 

 chase the black one which fled in ter- 

 ror, and dared not again mount the 

 tree occupied by the valient little 

 chickaree. The squirrel hybernates 

 like the others. It builds nests of 

 leaves within hollows generally but 

 sometimes exposed to wind and 

 weather. 



Northern Grey Squirrel. 

 Schirus caroliiiensis Icucotis, Copper. 

 Black or Gray Squirrel. In Kala- 

 mazoo County, as well as throughout 

 the state, we have no gray squirrels 

 to speak of. The black variety is 

 found however in numbers some sea- 

 sons. I have never seen more than 

 ten grays taken in a season in my loc- 

 ality. A more gregarious species, if I 

 may use the term, than the last. It 

 is also given to migration at times. 

 We have had no great squirrel seasons 

 in about fourteen years. This squir- 

 rel does not always build its nest in 

 hollows. Occasionally forms a nest 

 of leaves among the branches in the 

 tall trees. Have shot individuals from 

 their nests, and secured them as they 

 fell wounded to the ground. 



