SQUIRRELS, RATS, PORCUPINES, ETC. 303 



jerked against the shoulders. In order to see them 

 in a state of the highest excitement it is only 

 necessary to set a dog at them whilst on the ground. 

 Immediate flight to the nearest tree is the primary 

 result, but after they have reached a safe height 

 and have pulled themselves together from the 

 nervous shock caused by the assault, they usually 

 become aggressive, descending as far as prudence 

 allows, and scolding at their enemy with torrents 

 of querulous abuse. Dogs are always ready for a 

 squirrel-hunt, but very seldom gain anything from 

 it save excitement, as their quarry is usually much 

 too sharp for them, and rarely ventures far enough 

 from trees to give them a fair chance. Now and 

 then, however, dogs are to be met with who have 

 an exceptional talent for stalking them craftily until 

 they are within reach of a sudden rush. As a rule, 

 squirrels are very cautious about leaving the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood of trees, but now and then 

 they are tempted by alluring food to wander far 

 out into the open and run the risk of persecution 

 by crows, who, whilst very careful to avoid being 

 bitten, worry them greatly by hopping about close 

 behind them during their rushing advances from one 

 place to another. Where the ground is bare, or 

 only covered by short turf, they can get along very 

 quickly, but, owing to the shortness of their legs, 

 they are greatly hampered by grass of any consider- 

 able length. The fallen fruits and flowers of many 



