THE SQUIRREL. 595 
neighbour as is the ease with the greater number of the Squirrels. It lives chiefly in the 
depths of the forests, and feeds upon the wild fruits that grow without any aid from the 
hand of mankind. It is easily tamed, and being an active, amusing animal, as well as 
possessed of a beautifully marked coat, is often domesticated among the inhabitants 
of the same country. The flesh of the Jelerang is thought to be very good, and is eaten 
by the natives. 
The generic term Sevvirus, which is applied to all the animals that belong to this 
genus, is of Greek derivation, and signifies “shadow-tail,” in allusion to the manner in 
which the Squirrels curl their bushy ‘tails over their bodies, as if to shade them from the 
rays of the sun. The name Pééromys, which is 
apphed to the Taguan, is also taken from the 
Greek language, and signifies “ winged-mouse.” 
Every one is familiar with the lively little 
English SqQuirret, which makes the woods 
joyous with its active gambols, and is too often 
repaid for its gaiety by beimg captured and 
compelled to make sport for its owner within 
the narrow precincts of a wire cage. 
This little animal is plentiful in many parts 
of England, and, indeed, is generally found 
wherever there is a tolerably large copse or a 
wood of moderate dimensions. In _ private 
grounds and parks it luxuriates, knowing 
instinctively that it may wander at its own 
will, unchecked and unharmed. Among the 
tree branches its powers of activity are abso- 
lutely surprising, for it will fling itself through 
such distances, and at such a height, that it 
seems likely to be dashed to pieces every instant. 
Yet it seldom or never makes a false step, and 
even if it should lose its foothold, it is not at 
all disconcerted, but spreads out its legs and 
bushy tail to their utmost expansion, so that it 
presents a large surface to the air, and comes 
quite lightly to the earth, even though it may 
have leaped from a considerable height. 
On the ground it is not so much at its ease 
as when it is careering amid the branches of 
some large tree, and, as soon as it feels alarmed, 
always makes the best of its way towards the 
nearest tree trunk. Its gait is a kind of semi- 
gallop, and even when ascending a perpendicular 
tree stem, it maintains the same galloping move- 
ments, and ascends to a considerable height in 
a very small space of time. 
To watch a little party of Squirrels in a tree is a most amusing occupation, but not very 
easily managed, as the little creatures are blessed with quick eyesight, and if they happen 
to spy any object which they fancy may be dangerous, they alw: ays keep themselves on the 
opposite side of the trunk or branches of the tree which they are traversing. So jealously 
do they guard themselves by the interposition of the Biches that it is most ditticult to 
shoot one of these animals after it has once c aught sight of the gunner. By dint of 
patience, however, it is possible to witness the whole proceec dings of the merry little 
creatures, and to obtain a great fund of amusement by so doing. 
Squirrel-hunting is alw ays a great sport among boys, and is the more fascinating 
because the Squirrel i is hardly ever captured in fair chase, 
QQ 2 
JELERANG. OR JAVAN SQUIRREL.—Sciiirus Javensis. 
