164 The Flying Squirrel 
that of rudder and parachute. I do not mean by this 
that the tail can in any way turn the animal from a 
straight line, except that probably by bending it down- 
ward, and at the same time elevating the chin, it 
brings the body to a convenient angle for alighting 
upon an upright object. The distance to which the 
flying squirrel can “fly” depends entirely upon the 
elevation from which it starts. The angle of descent 
is ordinarily from twenty to thirty degrees, although 
the desire of the animal, together with the direction 
and force of the wind, probably commands an extreme 
range of from forty degrees to a nearly perpendicular 
drop. The usual mode of travel from place to place, 
if trees are convenient, is sailing from the top of one 
to the base of another, then running up this and again 
sailing. It is surprising how quickly one of these 
little fellows can travel a quarter of a mile. 
Do not imagine, because you have never seen a 
flying squirrel other than a mounted specimen, that 
they are rare; in reality they are quite plentiful, but 
being thoroughly nocturnal they are seldom seen. 
Now if you really wish to know the flying squirrel at 
home, go into a grove of large maples, beeches, or 
chestnuts on a still moonlight evening in September, 
find a comfortable seat and remain quiet for a little 
while. Should it so happen that you do not see a flying 
