THE SQUIRREL. 187 



normally enlarged it is because such enlargement was either 

 essential to the safety of the individual, acted as a protection 

 against his foes, or enabled him more easily to procure his 

 food. But it is not very clear that any of these objects are 

 served by the tail of the squirrel. He has few enemies, and 

 although undoubtedly a long tail adds to the quickness 

 with which an animal can turn, the squirrel has less 

 occasion for extraordinary speed in this respect than have 

 many other creatures who need it to elude the pursuit of 

 their foes. But given the length of tail, its bushiness is 

 probably an advantage to the squirrel, as it adds so very 

 greatly to its. bulk as to much reduce its specific gravity, 

 and thus enables it to drop from bough to bough with 

 almost the lightness of a descending feather. In point of 

 speed, the squirrel is for its size probably the swiftest of 

 quadrupeds, its movements being so rapid that the eye can 

 hardly follow them, and for a short distance it would need a 

 very swift dog to overtake it. With so many advantages 

 in the way of speed, activity, and grace, in addition to those 

 of its very handsome appearance, it is surprising that the 

 demeanour of the squirrel affords no indication whatever 

 that it has a particularly good idea of itself. 



It is brimful of life, fun, and overflowing vitality ; it de- 

 lights in testing its powers, and exercises itself to the fullest 

 for the mere pleasure of the thing. Kittens and puppies 

 similarly amuse and enjoy themselves, but no other animal 

 maintains through life the same love of hard exercise for its 

 own sake as does the squirrel. Although so gay and sprightly, 

 the squirrel is unlike some bipeds of similar disposition 

 an excellent husband, faithful, domesticated and constant. 

 He and his wife pair not for a season only, but generally for 



