154 THE SQUIRREL. 



"From this table an idea may be formed of the 

 relative number of the different kinds of squirrels men- 

 tioned. 



" In Europe the common squirrel (Sciurus Europceus) 

 is sufficiently abundant in many districts. This grace- 

 ful little animal measures about eighteen inches in 

 length, including the tail, which probably averages 

 between six and seven inches. The head is capacious, 

 broad above, but at the sides, as well as on top, it is 

 somewhat flattened. The eyes are prominent, are of a 

 dark colour, and are expressive of alertness and in- 

 telligence. Standing well up from the head are the 

 ears, which are furnished at the tip with long fine 

 hairs. Generally the fur is of a rich brown-red hue; 

 this merges into a whitish tint beneath the throat and 

 chest. In the winter, however, the colour of the fur 

 undergoes a change, becoming lighter, assuming a 

 grayish colour. 



" The female generally produces four or five young 

 at a birth. 



"Ordinarily the food of the squirrel consists of 

 various edible seeds, nuts, and berries, to be found 

 among the woods which they frequent ; but they have 

 been known sometimes to eat birds. In appearance, 

 the squirrel might be selected as the emblem of industry, 

 so alert are his movements, and so keen and intelligent 

 is the expression of his features. His little body is 

 extremely vigorous, and his limbs are elegantly shaped, 

 while his tail, which he jantily holds aloft above his 



