96 Quadrupeds. 



appears to sail or fly from one place to another. Where 

 numbers of them are seen at a time leaping, they appear 

 like leaves blown off by the wind. There are many 

 other kinds of Squirrels in various parts of the world ; 

 most of the Flying Squirrels are found in the eastern 

 islands. 



THE DORMOUSE, OR SLEEPEE. 



(Myoxus avellanarius.) 



THESE animals build their nests either in the hollow 

 parts of trees, or near the bottom of thick shrubs, and 

 line them most industriously with moss, soft lichens, 

 and dead leaves. Conscious of the length of time they 

 have to pass in their solitary cells, Dormice are very 

 particular in the choice of the materials they employ to 

 build and furnish them ; and generally lay up a store of 

 food, consisting of nuts, beans, and acorns ; and on the 

 approach of cold weather roll themselves in balls, their 

 tail curled up over their head between the ears, and in 

 a state of apparent lethargy pass the greatest part of the 

 winter, till the warmth of the sun, pervading the whole 

 atmosphere, kindles their congealed blood, and calls 

 them back again to the enjoyment of life. Except in 

 the time of breeding and bringing up its young, the 

 Dormouse is generally found alone in its cell. This 

 animal is remarkable for the very small degree of heat 

 its body possesses during its torpid state, when it 

 appears actually frozen with the cold, and it may be 

 tossed or rolled about without being roused, though it 

 may be quickly revived by the application of gentle 

 heat, such as that of the hands. If a torpid Dormouse, 

 however, be placed before a large fire, the sudden 

 change will kill it. 



