THE 



and interesting to be an eye-witness of one of 

 their voyages, and a benevolent heart could not for- 

 bear wishing safety and success to the little naviga- 

 tors. The fact, indeed, would appear incredible, 

 were it not attested by such respectable evidence. 

 If, however, it be true, it exhibits a striking specimen' 

 of animal instinct, although not more wonderful than- 

 many others which are displayed in the brute crea- 

 tion. 



The squirrel lives in woods and groves, and makes 

 its nest of dry leaves in the hollows of trees: if sel- 

 dom descends to the ground, but leaps from tree to- 

 tree with astonishing agility. It sits up to eat, and 

 feeds itself with its fore paws. Its food consists of 

 fruits, nuts, acorns, &c. of which it accumulates a? 

 plentiful store for its winter provision. In the spring 

 it feeds on young shoots and buds, and is extremely 

 fond of the cones of the fir tree. This beautiful little> 

 animal, by its sportive bounds from tree to tree, enli- 

 vens the sylvan scene, and merits the benevolent 

 protection of man on account of its docility and inno- 

 cence. Being naturally fond of warmth, it will> 

 when domesticated, creep into a person's pocket> 

 sleeve, or bosom* with the most perfect confidence* 

 and familiarity. 



Of this animal zoologists have enumerated a variety 

 of species, some of which are to be met with in almost 

 * t?verv country* Among these, are the grey squirrel, 

 the f x ur of which is very valuable ; the black squirrel 

 of Mexico; the Barbary and the palm squirrel; ths 

 fat squirrel, which, among the Romans, was esteemed 

 u great delicacy tot the table, and which they kept 

 and fed in places constructed for that purpose, and 

 distinguished by the name of gliraria, and many 

 others. In conformity* however, to the conciseness 

 of my plan, I shall only observe the 



FLYING SCtUIRRSL, 



which is peculiarly distinguished by a membranous 

 continuation of the skin or' the sides and belly extend- 

 ing from the fore, to the hind feet. By this appen- 

 dage ii is $u muck assisted in making; "bounds from 



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