14 EVERMANN AND CLARK 



litters may be produced in one season. On September 10 a young 

 Woodchuck not more than one-third grown was seen on an open 

 hillside where it was feeding on fresh grass. When chased it ran 

 quite swiftly. When overtaken it would change its course from 

 time to time. Finally when tired out it crouched down in the 

 grass, apparently attempting to hide from its pursuers. Its small 

 size suggested that it was born not earlier than the middle of July 

 or later. 



The Groundhog as yet possesses little or no economic value. 

 Its pelage is coarse and contains little fur. The hide is tough and 

 ought to make a good quality of leather. The flesh is abundant 

 in quantity, sweet, palatable and very nutritious; it ought to be 

 more extensively utilized as an article of food. 



10. Sciuropterus volans (Linnaeus). 

 Flying Squirrel. 



Wherever there are, about the lake, large old trees with hollow 

 trunks or limbs, one or more pairs of Flying Squirrels are likely to 

 be found. Striking such trees with an axe or maul will often induce 

 the squirrels to come out, especially if the tree is of proper size 

 and springy enough to vibrate well in response to blows. When 

 striking the tree is stopped, the squirrels usually return quickly to 

 their nest. By such devices as this, one is apt to discover that the 

 Flying Squirrel is a much more common animal in the neighbor- 

 hood than the number seen otherwise would indicate. On account 

 of its quiet, unobtrusive ways and its nocturnal habits it is not 

 often seen except by those who know its ways. 



These squirrels usually make their nests in holes in old dead or 

 decaying trees; they may utilize a hollow limb, a decayed and hol- 

 lowed-out portion of the trunk or a deserted woodpecker hole. 

 Late in the fall, after the cottagers have left the lake and the cot- 

 tages have been closed for the winter, these resourceful little animals 

 sometimes take up their residence in the loft, cupboard or some 

 suitable box in the cottages. There they build their nests and 

 dwell cosily until the warm days of returning spring tempt them 

 to return to a hole in some scraggy old oak near-by, where they will 

 spend the summer. 



