27 6 OF SQUIRRELS IN GENERAL. 



rally carry their tails erect, or laid over their back,, 

 in order, say some writers, to protect them from 

 the sun or rain. 



All the species live on vegetable food, such 

 chiefly as fruit, nuts, and the bark, seeds, and buds 

 of trees. They sit upright on their hind legs to 

 eat. None of them are carnivorous. 



Some few of the species live in troops, consisting 

 of immense numbers; and they are occasionally 

 known to commit great depredations in cultivated 

 countries. A reward of three pence per head was 

 offered by the government of Pennsylvania, in the 

 year 1749, for the destruction of the Grey Squir- 

 rels*; and, in the course of twelve months, this 

 reward was claimed for no fewer than six hundred 

 and forty thousand. 



Most of the Squirrels may be rendered tame; 

 and, in confinement, they are generally frolicsome 

 and playful animals. But, on the least irritation, 

 they will bite very keenly. 



The skins of all the species are considered va- 

 luable as furs; and their flesh is a very palatable 

 food. 



* Sciurus dnereus of Linnaeus. 



THE 



