RED SQUIRREL. 233 



ES retreat ; but it does not become completely tor- 

 pid ; and I have seen it abroad in the midst of a 

 most severe snow storm. If the weather be com- 

 paratively mild, it exhibits its usual activity, feeding 

 on bark and twigs. 



The Squirrel may be domesticated if taken young, 

 and becomes an agreeable, playful, and gentle pet. 

 It is generally distributed in the wooded parts of 

 the country; but in many districts, especially in 

 Scotland, is of rare occurrence. To the south of 

 the Frith of Forth and Clyde, it is not uncommon 

 in parks and plantations; in the extensive tract 

 lying eastward of the Grampians, and in some of 

 the valleys of those mountains, it is not less fre- 

 quent ; but in the northern districts it appears to 

 be unknown* 



