86 



THE GNAWERS 



found almost all over the country, and everywhere add to 

 the charm of life in the forest. 



Among these animals the flying squirrels are perhaps 

 the most interesting (Fig. 65). They have the fore and 

 hind limbs connected by a web- like membrane 



which they use as a parachute 

 in plunging down 

 from lofty trees. 



Fig, 65. — Flying Squirrels. 



The sail-like skin bears them aloft and materially aids 

 them in their so-called flight. Of the various pets I have 

 had, a flying squirrel appealed to me most by its fascinat- 

 ing ways. It hid nuts behind all the pictures in the room, 

 and drove an old and dignified lady visitor almost into 

 hysterics by going to sleep in her bonnet and coming 



