THE CHIPMUNK. 63 



ately adjoining, and consisted wholly of chestnuts and 

 acorns ; and the shells of such of these nuts as had been 

 eaten were all pushed into one of the passages, so that 

 there might be no litter mingled with the soft materials 

 that lined the nest. How long this underground life 

 lasts, before hibernation really commences, it is difficult 

 to determine ; but as the torpid state does not continue 

 until their food-supply is again obtainable out-of-doors, 

 the chipmunks, no doubt, store away sufficient food for 

 their needs throughout the early spring. 



