In the Sierra 



seem to me the wildest. May we come to 

 know each other better. 



The chaparral-covered hill-slope to the 

 south of the camp, besides furnishing nest- 

 ing-places for countless merry birds, is the 

 home and hiding-place of the curious wood 

 rat (Neotoma), a handsome, interesting ani- 

 mal, always attracting attention wherever 

 seen. It is more like a squirrel than a rat, is 

 much larger, has delicate, thick, soft fur of 

 a bluish slate color, white on the belly; ears 

 large, thin, and translucent ; eyes soft, full, 

 and liquid; claws slender, sharp as needles; 

 and as his limbs are strong, he can climb 

 about as well as a squirrel. No rat or squir- 

 rel has so innocent a look, is so easily ap- 

 proached, or expresses such confidence in 

 one's good intentions. He seems too fine for 

 the thorny thickets he inhabits, and his hut 

 also is as unlike himself as may be., though 

 softly furnished inside. No other animal in- 

 habitant of these mountains builds houses so 

 large and striking in appearance. The trav- 



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