712 SCIURIDAZ—SCIURUS 
may result in the death of the defaulter. In North America 
Dr Merriam states that the Red Squirrel (S. Audsonzcus) makes 
larger stores and fares better in winter than the Grey Squirrel 
(S. carolinensis). 
It seems more than probable that many of the older myths 
which gathered around the Squirrel’s ‘‘ treasured hoards” owed 
their prevalence to the still more erroneous belief that the 
animal remains during the greater part of the winter in a state 
of almost complete torpidity, from which it only relapses on fine 
days for the purpose of feeding. As a matter of fact, the 
Squirrel is quite active throughout the winter and in all degrees 
of cold. This fact is none the less compatible with a strong 
dislike of snow or rain, during the prevalence of either of which 
it may remain in its nest for several days together. Notwith- 
standing any such prejudices, however, it is often to be 
observed abroad in all kinds of weather, and Mr Hewitson 
remarks that its footsteps are the first to soil the unsullied 
beauty of the snow. He records an extreme case in which 
young Squirrels, little more than able to leave the nest, were 
running about on snow in March. 
Some of the most interesting or striking myths deserve 
mention. Pennant and Bingley relate of it that its gullet is 
very narrow, “to prevent it from disgorging its food, in 
descending of trees, or in down-leaps.” Topsell, repeating an 
ancient and widespread legend, the details of which, according 
to Mr Harvie-Brown, are still related as actual facts of natural 
history in Scotland, says :—‘‘If they (z.e. Squirrels) be driven 
to the ground from the trees to creep into hedges, it is a token 
of their weariness, for such is the stately mind of this little 
beast, that while-her limbs and strength lasteth, she tarryeth 
and saveth herself in the tops of tall trees, then being descended, 
she falleth into the mouth of every cur. The admirable wit of 
this beast appeareth in her swimming or passing over the 
waters, for when hunger or some convenient prey of meat 
constraineth her to pass over a river, she seeketh out some 
rinde or small bark of a tree, which she setteth upon the water, 
and then goeth into it, and holding up her tail like a sail, 
letteth the wind drive her to the other side; and this is 
witnessed by Olau Magnus in his description of Scandinavia, 
