THE COMMON SQUIRREL, 



cage, and then proceeds to take the fresh supply. 

 The sagacity of the above mentioned little crea- 

 tures, in their choice of food, was at all times so 

 admirable, that Mr. Barrington had no difficulty in 

 believing what is usually said of Squirrels, that, 'in 

 all their store of winter provisions, there can never 

 be found an unsound or a bad nut. He had made 

 innumerable trials with them, but in every instance 

 they rejected a nut that was not good, almost the 

 moment it was put into their paws. 



The courage of these animals is somewhat sur- 

 prising. This observing naturalist says, that he has 

 often seen a Squirrel tremble very much at the 

 first appearance of a Dog or Cat; and after some 

 minutes, passed in efforts with itself, it has. by 

 degrees approached its formidable adversary, and 

 even ventured to come directly under its nose. He 

 informs us, that the approach is always made by 

 quick and short leaps; the animal in these motions 

 beating the ground firmly with its feet, and assum- 

 ing an affected boldness of countenance, as if for 

 the purpose of imposing on its adversary by the 

 appearance of courage. 



During all the time that Mr. Barrington kept 

 these Squirrels, no instance occurred of the females 

 producing young ones in their confinement. 



The flesh of the Squirrel is a well-flavoured and 

 palatable food. The skin is of some value as a fur; 

 and the long hairs of the tail are made into pencils, 

 which are used by painters and gilders. 



In 



