so WESLEY MILLS ON 



tions which apply for different latitudes aud conditions), I have been able to obtain some 

 definite information as regards the winter sleep of squirrels especially. 



J. P. Bishop, Professor of Science in the State Normal School of Buffalo, N.Y., writes 

 me : " Eegarding hibernation, I seriously doubt whether the red squirrel, in the latitude 

 of Central N. Y., ever really hibernates. I have seen him out at all times of the winter 

 aud in all kinds of weather, even when the thermometer recorded temperatures below 

 zero and the air was full of sqow. But he is much more lively in warm days which he 

 prefers for feeding. The gray squirrel is more sensitive to cold, but will come out upon 

 almost any warm day in the winter." 



I am also indebted to Mr. W. Yates of Hatchly, Ontario, a capable aud loving 

 observer of nature, for several notes. He says : " Trappers are opposed to the belief that 

 red squirrels hibernate for they may be seen in the woods in the most inclement weather. 

 They do not store up food in nests for themselves, but rob the dormouse or woodmouse 

 and kill him when they can." This seems also to be Mr. Yates's own view. He says that 

 flying squirrels, when (he hollow trees on which they take shelter are cut, at once betake 

 themselves in the most lively manner to some other hollow tree in the neighbourhood, the 

 location of all of which they seem to know beforehand. This scarcely argues a very deep 

 sleep — if sleep at all. 



As to the chipmunk {Taviias Lpsteri), which certainly stores up food in a burrow, he 

 seems more in doubt, but is not inclined to believe that he hibernates for very long 

 periods at all events. He has seen them out as late as December 21st. This observer has 

 made some very interesting observations on a tame raccoon {Proq/on lotor). This creature 

 lived in a hollow log lined with straw and " drowsed away the greater jiart of December 

 aud January, leaving any food placed before him unnoticed." The raccoon is known to 

 spend the greater part of the winter in hollow elm trees in this part of the country, and 

 Mr. Yates points out that the cutting down of most of these trees resulted in the raccoons 

 betaking themselves to landerground burrows including those once occupied by foxes. 



He says of the woodchuck (Ardoviys monax) : " Our marmot hibernates sooner than 

 the bear, raccoon or chipmunk. Towards the last of October he de.serts his burrow in 

 the fields for one in the woods, choosing a dry sheltered ridge and is never seen out till 

 mild weather returns." 



On this point Prof. Bishop writes me : " Popular belief puts the time of hibernation 

 of the woodchuck from October 1st to May. I have seen them out well into November, 

 and have known of their being caught in traps on January 1st. I also saw the tracks of 

 one myself on January 2nd. From that time until May I have run across them or their 

 tracks after a warm day." Mr. Yates expresses a positive opinion. He considers that 

 their winter sleep is of the most profound character, for he says : " Their state of uncon- 

 sciousness is death-like." As to bears he simply reiterates the belief that they hibernate 

 only when food is net obtainable, in which view in the light of my own investigations I 

 see nothing impossible. 



My studies on the torpor of cold-blooded animals (porkilothermers) have been little 

 more than casual observations ; on the bat they have been more extensive, still incom- 

 plete ; but the condition of the woodchuck, our American marmot, during winter and 

 summer in confinement, has had my close attention for over five years, almost continu- 

 ously by the help of other members of my family, especially of my wife, the time 



