I08 MAMMALIA. 



know there were six screech-owls. The crevices of the house were 

 always inhabited by the squirrels. The docility of the one we kept 

 as a pet was remarkable ; although he was never lively and playful 

 in the day-time, he would permit himself to be handled and spread 

 out at the pleasure of any one. Wq frequently took him from the 

 cage, laid him on the table or on one hand, and exposed the exten- 

 sion of his skin, smoothed his fur. put him in our pocket or bosom, 

 &c., he pretending all the time to be asleep." '•' 



SCIUROPTERUS VOLUCELLA HUDSONIUS (Gmdin) Alien. 



Northern Flying Squirrel. 



The Northern Flying Squirrel is a common inhabitant of the 

 elevated central area of the Adirondacks and is not particularly rare 

 about the outskirts of the region, where I have found both varieties 

 nesting in adjoining trees. Although this is much the larger of the 

 two, and may also be distinguished by some peculiarities of colora- 

 tion, individuals are sometimes met with that are more or less inter- 

 mediate ; still, I have yet to see the specimen that cannot at once be 

 referred either to the one or the other. 



The Northern Flying Squirrel is a hardier animal than its smaller 

 relative, and remains awake and active during the whole of our long 

 and severe winters. The mercury may indicate a temperature many 

 degrees below zero, or snow may be falling in quantities sufficient to 

 obstruct the vision, without seeming in any way to dishearten this 

 merry adventurer. The last rays of the departing sun have scarcely 

 disappeared from the western horizon before the sombre shades that 

 mark the approach of winter night commence to gather about the snow- 

 clad forest. Whether bright stars sparkle and shine through a frosty 

 atmosphere, or heavy, leaden clouds overhang the scene, makes little 

 difference to the Northern Flying Squirrel. He emerges from his 

 warm nest, takes a hast)' survey of the surroundings lest some v^'ily 



* Quadrupeds of North America, Vol. I, 1846, p. 220. 



