474 Lake Maxinknckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



gratory, but our observations lead us to believe it to be non-migra- 

 tory in Indiana. 



The Chipmunk feeds chiefly upon nuts and seeds of various 

 kinds. In regions where beech trees are found their delicious nuts 

 constitute its principal food. Hickory nuts, particularly the thin- 

 ner shelled species, hazelnuts, acorns and corn are also highly 

 prized. In the spring they may do some damage to the corn fields 

 by digging up the newly planted grains ; but this is infrequent and 

 apt to occur only when the field borders on open woods. As al- 

 ready recorded, on October 4, we observed a Chipmunk going from 

 one ragweed to another, stripping ofi" the seeds and cramming his 

 pouches with them; from which it appears that they are of some 

 value as weed-seed destroyers. 



On the whole, the Chipmunk is a harmless and very cheery little 

 creature which, in moderate numbers, does little or no harm and 

 adds much to the attractiveness of any region. 



25. RED SQUIRREL 



SCIURUS HUDSONICUS LOQUAX Bangs 



The Red Squirrel, Pine Squirrel, Chickaree or Boomer, as it is 

 variously called, is a northern species which is gradually extending 

 its range southward in Indiana. Until within the last decade it 

 was rare or wholly unknown in most parts of the state south of 

 Logansport, though it was not uncommon in the more northern 

 counties. On December 24, 1889, one was shot near Kewanna 

 which is about 12 miles south of Maxinkuckee. It was regarded 

 as a rarity in that region. About 1900 one was seen near Frank- 

 fort, about 70 miles south of Maxinkuckee, the first ever noted in 

 that county. We have learned from Mr. Sidney T. Sterling of 

 Camden, Carroll County, that it has recently appeared in that 

 county. 



When we began our investigations at Lake Maxinkuckee, the 

 Red Squirrel was not common. In 1899 only one was seen, in Sep- 

 tember, near old Lake Manitou. On September 24, 1900, a young 

 one, just able to crawl about, was found on the ground in Farrar's 

 woods. It had probably fallen from the nest. It was taken home 

 and fed and soon became quite tame. It was not caged but was 

 permitted to run about the room, and soon became quite playful 

 and mischievous. One of its favorite positions was a seat on one's 

 shoulder where it soon called attention to itself by a gentle nipping 

 of the ear of the person on whose shoulder it was sitting. One or 

 more were seen October 1, 14, 19, and 30. In 1904, they were 



