CATALOGUE OF VERTEBRATES. 501 



S. niger, L. (Abbott's Catalogue.) Black Squirrel. 



Consider this as var. niger of S. niger, above. 



" Very rarely met with, although probably only a variety of 

 the preceding, which is an abundant species. Have seen but 

 two specimens, both taken in Passaic county in December, 

 1860." 



S. carolineneis, Auct. Gray Squirrel. Black Squirrel. 



Varies from grizzly yellowish gray to pure black. Length, 

 24 inches; tail, 13 inches. 



" It is not improbable that this, a southern species, may be 



. occasionally met with in New Jersey, as one specimen has met 



my notice, known to have been shot in Essex county. There is 



a probability, however, of its having been a caged squirrel, 



escaped from its owner." 



S. hudsonius, Pal. Chickadee. Red Squirrel. Chickaree. 



Rusty red. Length, 14 inches ; tail, Qh inches. 



" In many portions of the State this little squirrel, formerly 

 very abundant, has become quite scarce. Such is the case 

 throughout Mercer county in a marked degree. Before the 

 large pine tracts in the southern counties were cut oflF, it was 

 there found abundantly. Occasionally burrows quite deeply 

 among the roots of trees. Lays up large stocks of food for 

 winter use, and during this season is as lively as in mid- 

 summer." 



SCIUROPTBRUS, Cuv. 



(Pteromys, Cuv.) 



S. volucella, Pal. Flying Squirrel. 



Yellowish brown, creamy white below ; a furred membrane 

 extends along the sides from the fore to the hind legs. Tail 

 flattened and densely furred. 



" Quite common. Found only among large trees, especially 

 large nut-bearing species. During the day they lie quietly in 

 the hollow of a partially-decayed tree — frequently a half dozen 

 together — and as the sun goes down make their appearance, sail- 

 ing about from branch to branch, and seldom coming to the 

 ground. The females produce two litters during the summer, 

 three to five the usual number. The nests are in hollow trees, 

 and occasionally a deserted bird's nest is occupied. The food of 

 this species is that of squirrels generally, and unlike them, a 



