II 



THE CHIPMUNK 



THE first chipmunk in March is as sure a 

 token of the spring as the first bluebird or the 

 first robin, and is quite as welcome. Some 

 genial influence 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 journeys 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 con- 

 sumed ; 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 



