718 SCIURIDAZE—SCIURUS 
from Ireland (see p. 693). That of its continental relative is 
in request all over the world; formerly large numbers of the 
grey winter skins —called ‘ Calabar” commercially — were 
imported into England for treatment by our furriers, but this 
trade is said to be now almost extinct. It is perhaps 
fortunate for our species that the excellence of its rabbit-like 
flesh seems to be unknown to the inhabitants of these islands ; 
the attraction provided by a destructive animal with a saleable 
pelt and a palatable carcase might well have proved fatal to it. 
The Squirrel is well known as a pet, and its appearance 
and general liveliness must always make it attractive. But, 
unless taken young, it rarely loses its natural wildness, and it 
is usually quite sterile. Lataste remarks that it has a good 
memory for places, but it is full of irritability ; he describes the 
wrath of one which, returning to its cage, found the door 
closed against it. It is, perhaps, not well to allow such a pet 
too much liberty, as it is mischievous and always ready to try 
its teeth on any objects which may come within its reach. 
However, if it be allowed liberty it forms, in one way, a very 
good pet for children, as Millais points out; for if at times 
they are apt to forget to provide their pets with meals, a 
Squirrel at large will usually contrive to forage for itself. 
With regard to the longevity of the Squirrel, captives are 
said to have lived for nearly eight years; on the other hand 
Chalmers Mitchell (?.Z.S., 1911, 446) found that of seventy- 
seven examples of S. valgarzs (probably including specimens 
of the present species) kept at the Zoological Gardens, the 
average and maximum longevities were only six and twenty 
months respectively. Many other Sczuzzde, however, did better 
in captivity; twenty-four American Grey Squirrels thus had 
average and maximum longevities of four and fifteen years 
respectively. 
The Squirrel is used as a part of the arms of a number of 
English families, and has appeared at least occasionally on 
sign-boards. 
The American Grey Squirrel (JVeosciurus carolinensis, Gmelin), 
differing from S. /ewcourus by its much larger size and distinctive grey 
colour has been frequently introduced and liberated in this country 
during recent years; should it gain a good footing here, as seems not 
