HARE KIND. 149 



its own piece of bark, and fanning the air with its 

 tail, to drive the vessel to its desired port. In 

 this orderly manner they set forward, and often 

 cross lakes several miles broad. But it too often 

 happens that the poor mariners are not aware of 

 the dangers of their navigation ; for although at 

 the edge of the water it is generally calm, in 

 the midst it is always more turbulent. There the 

 slightest additional gust of wind oversets the little 

 sailor and his vessel together. The whole navy, 

 that but a few minutes before rode proudly and 

 securely along, is now overturned, and a ship- 

 wreck of two or three thousand sail ensues. This, 

 which is so unfortunate for the little animal, is 

 generally the most lucky accident in the world 

 for the Laplander on the shore ; who gathers up 

 the dead bodies as they are thrown in by the 

 waves, eats the flesh, and sells the skins for about 

 a shilling the dozen. * 



The squirrel is easily tamed, and it is then a 

 very familiar animal. It loves to lie warm, and 

 will often creep into a man's pocket or his bosom. 

 It is usually kept in a box, and fed with hazel 

 nuts. Some find amusement in observing with 

 what ease it bites the nut open, and eats the ker- 

 nel. In short, it is a pleasing pretty little domes- 

 tic ; and its tricks and habitudes may serve to 

 entertain a mind unequal to stronger operations. 



* (Euvres de 



