Franklin Ground-squirrel 379 



In a very limited sense the species appears to be migratory, migra- 

 Kennicott, whose opportunities for studying it were unusual, 

 says'^ that in Illinois "this Spermophile exhibits a remarkable 

 disposition to migrate from one field to another. Not only do 

 the males lead a wandering life in summer, but pairs appear 

 frequently to change their quarters, leaving their winter burrow 

 to breed in another, and then, perhaps, hibernating in a third, 

 at some distance from this. In several instances a company of 

 a dozen or more have been observed to appear in a locality 

 where none were seen the previous summer, and then to disap- 

 pear after remaining there a year or only a few weeks. In the 

 early part of summer 20 or 30 of these animals suddenly made 

 their appearance, and burrowed in an old embankment, within 

 three or four rods of my father's house. They seemed to have 

 lost the shyness exhibited when leading a solitary life, and were 

 not alarmed at the near approach of man. They even came 

 about the kitchen door to pick up crumbs, and disputed with 

 the chickens for their food. 



IjC ^ JJC -jC 3(C 3(C JfC 



"A war of extermination was commenced. Several were 

 shot, while others were killed with clubs, whereupon the survivors 

 left in a body, as suddenly as they had come, and were never 

 seen again, nor could they be found upon any part of the farm.'* 



In Manitoba the principal enemy of the Gray Ground- enemies 

 squirrel is the red-tailed hawk. On July 9, 1884, I saw two 

 of these hawks fighting over some prize. While they were so 

 busied I secured the booty, a fine specimen of this Ground- 

 squirrel, and was glad to get it, as it was considered rare in the 

 region at that time. 



Late in September the Scrub Ground-squirrel takes its fall 

 last look at the sun, then barricades its doorway with earth 

 against Weasels, wet and frost, and sleeps until a half year 

 later, when the white crane comes again and trumpets a resur- 

 rection to the under-world that slept as dead. 



" Quad. 111., 1857, pp. 79-80. 



