CHAPTER XI. 



SQUIRRELS, MARMOTS AND PIKAS. 



AMONGST the best known and most popular of all the numerous 

 members of the great order Rodentia are the squirrels. The typ- 

 ical member of this large family (Sciuridae) is the common squir- 

 rel (Sciurus vulgaris), whose habitat extends from the western coasts 

 of the British Isles, right across Europe and Asia to the eastern shores 

 of Japan. Naturally in so great an extent of country a considerable 

 variation is found amongst the squirrels, though in essential character- 

 istics the varieties of the common squirrel agree. In Great Britain 

 the coat is red, even in winter. In some places the coat is red in 

 summer and grey in winter, while in others, such as those in Manchuria, 

 the pelt is grey in summer and winter. Thus it is known respectively 

 as the red squirrel, the grey squirrel and the fur squirrel. 



Most people are familiar with the appearance of the common 

 Squirrel. It is characterized by having a very soft coat, a long bushy 

 tail and tufts on the ears. In this last particular it differs from all 

 the other squirrels, except the red-squirrel (S. hudsonianue) of North 

 America. 



In North China the common squirrel is very rare, occurring only 

 in the heavily forested regions. It has been recorded from the forests 

 (now being demolished) of Northern Chihli. I have heard of it in 

 West Shansi, but have, never seen it there. It also occurs in Western 

 Kansu and in Manchuria, in which two areas it is fairly plentiful. At 

 one time it must have been very much more common in China Proper, 

 but, like every other animal in this country, which is capable of being 

 turned into money, has been so persecuted that it' is very nearly 

 extinct.. 



There are few pets more entertaining than squirrels, buti they 

 are seen at thteir best, when, having been taken young, are allowed 

 the freedom of the house and garden. Their little tricks and habits 

 are most interesting, and they become so tame that they will not 

 desert for the wilds again. 



