347 



TAMIAS STRIATUS, (Linne) (Baird.) 



THE CHIPMUNK, STRIPED SQUIRREL. 



Speeific Gharacter. — Tail to end of the hairs shorter than the body, to end of 

 vertebrae about three-fifths the length of the body. Back and sides with five 

 longitudinal black stripes which do not extend over the rump ; the two outer on 

 each side close together, separated by a white line ; the middle or dorsal stripe 

 with a wide interval on each side of a finely grizzled yellowish gray and brown, 

 like that on the upper parts generally. Dark lines bordered with chestnut brown. 

 Rump pale chesnut. Body 5 to 6 inches ; tail with hairs, 4 to 4^ inchei ; hind foot, 

 1-40 inch. 



Habitat. — Eastern region of the United States and throughout Ontario. 



Average Size. — Equal to that of a small rat. 



Average Weight. — 4 ounces. 



Average Height — 2| inches. 



Average Length. — 5 inches. 



Average Value of Fur. — Valueless. 



The chipmunk is commonly known as the ground squirrel, and seldom 

 climbs to any great height. 



It is a beautiful little creature, and but that it is so common and so small, its 

 fur would probably be valuable. 



It is exceedingly lively in its movements, whisking about the brushwood 

 and small timber with swift runs and jumps, and uttering its quaint chuckino- 

 cry. 



It is provided with cheek pouches and is thus enabled to carry large supclies 

 to its winter quarters, which it stocks liberally with nuts and grain. 



The chipmunk is a burrowing animal and moves into its winter quarters 

 about November. 



Unless the winter be very mild, and the sun unusually strong, the little 

 animal seldom reappears until spring. 



The young are born in June and a second brood makes its appearance in 

 August. From two to six are produced at a birth. 



26 (c.) 



