VIII 



THE CHIPMUNK 



first chipmunk in March is as sure a token 

 of the spring as the first bluebird or the first 

 robin ; and it is quite as welcome. Some genial in- 

 fluence has found him out there in his burrow, deep 

 under the ground, and waked him up, and enticed 

 him forth into the light of day. The red squirrel 

 has been more or less active all winter; his track 

 has dotted the surface of every new-fallen snow 

 throughout the season. But the chipmunk retired 

 from view early in December, and has passed the 

 rigorous months in his nest, beside his hoard of 

 nuts, some feet underground, and hence, when he 

 emerges in March, and is seen upon his little jour- 

 neys along the fences, or perched upon a log or rock 

 near his hole in the woods, it is another sign that 

 spring is at hand. His store of nuts may or may 

 not be all consumed; it is certain that he is no 

 sluggard, to sleep away these first bright warm days. 

 Before the first crocus is out of the ground, you 

 may look for the first chipmunk. When I hear the 

 little downy woodpecker begin his spring drumming, 

 then I know the chipmunk is due. He cannot sleep 

 after that challenge of the woodpecker reaches his ear. 



