164 THE SQUIRREL. 



agouti, and many others too numerous to examine in detail, most 

 of them natives of South America, or other distant regions, and 

 seldom seen in Europe ; but knowing well the value of time, 

 and the importance of other studies, we shall endeavour to ex- 

 hibit such objects as are more particularly interesting. We can- 

 not, however, omit to take notice of 



THE SQUIRREL, 



A beautiful little animal, equally remarkable for the elegance 

 of its form, the liveliness of its disposition, and the agility of its 

 motions. It is gentle and harmless : though naturally wild, it is 

 easily domesticated ; and although excessively timid, it soon be- 

 comes familiar. 



The head, body, tail, and legs of this elegant little quadruped, 

 are of a bright brown colour ; the belly and breast are white, 

 its eyes black, large, and full of vivacity; but its tail, which is 

 long and umbrageous, constitutes its greatest singularity, as well 

 as its principal ornament. It is also not less useful than orna- 

 mental ; for being sufficiently large and bushy to cover the whole 

 body, it serves as an excellent defence against the inclemencies 

 of the weather. It also greatly assists it in clinging and adhering 

 to trees ; and Linnaeus, as well as other naturalists, assures us, 

 that in crossing a river, the squirrel places itself upon a piece 

 of bark, and erecting its tail, in order to catch the wind, uses it 

 as a sail, and thus commits itself to the mercy of the waves. It 

 would certainly be both curious and interesting to be an eye- 

 witness of one of their voyages, and a benevolent heart could not 

 forbear wishing safety and success to the little navigators. The 

 fact, indeed, would appear incredible, were it not attested by 

 such respectable evidence. If, however, it be true, it exhibits a 

 striking specimen of animal instinct, although not more won- 

 derful than many others which are displayed in the brute creation. 



The squirrel lives in woods and groves, arid makes its nest of 

 dry leaves in the hollows of trees : it seldom descends to the 

 ground, but leaps from tree to tree with astonishing agility. It 

 sits up to eat, and feeds itself with its fore-paws. Its food con- 

 sists of fruits, nuts, acorns, &c. of which it accumulates a plen- 

 tiful store for its winter provision. In the spring it feeds on young 

 shoots and buds, and is extremely fond of the cones of the fir- 

 tree. This beautiful little animal, by its sportive bounds from tree 

 to tree, enlivens the sylvan scene, and merits the benevolent pro- 

 tection of man on account of its docility and innocence. Being 

 naturally fond of warmth, it will, when domesticated, creep into 

 a person's pocket, sleeve, or bosom, with the most perfect con- 

 fidence and familiarity. 



Of this animal, zoologists have enumerated a variety of species, 



