THE CHIPMUNK 



The first chipmunk in March is as sure a 

 token of the spring as the first bluebird or the 

 first robin; and it is quite as welcome. Some 

 genial influence has found him out there in his 

 burrow, deep under the ground, and waked him 

 up and enticed him forth into the light of day. 

 The red squirrel has been more or less active all 

 winter; his track has dotted the surface of every 

 new fallen snow throughout the season. But 

 the chipmunk retired from view early in De- 

 cember and has passed the rigorous months in 

 his nest, beside his hoard of nuts, some feet 

 underground, and hence, when he emerges in 

 March and is seen upon his little journeys^^along 

 the fences, or perched upon a log or rock near 

 his hole in the woods, it is another sign that 

 spring is at hand. His store of nuts may or 

 may not be all consumed; it is certain that 

 he is no sluggard, to sleep away these first 

 bright warm days. 



Before the first crocus is out of the ground, 

 you may look for the first chipmunk. When 

 I hear the little downy woodpecker begin his 

 spring drumming, then I know the chipmunk 

 is due. He cannot sleep after that challenge of 

 the woodpecker reaches his ear. 



