ANIMALS OF ONTARIO. 89 



Genus SCIURUS. 



(i8) Sciurus hudsonicus. 



(Red Squirrel.) 

 Common everywhere. This little creature seems to be able to hold its 

 own even in the immediate vicinity of our cities, where it is subjected to 

 all sorts of persecution. Where it is desired to protect small birds in 

 gardens and shrubberies, this squirrel should not be allowed to frequent 

 them, for it is a great destroyer of young birds in the nests. 



(19) Sciurus carolinensis. 



(Gray Squirrel, Black Squirrel.) 

 Formerly abundant in all the hardwood forests of southern and west-) 

 ern Ontario, but the destruction of the woods and constant persecution 

 have sadly reduced their numbers. Specifically the gray and the black 

 forms are identical. Three sub-species have been distinguished, but as 

 thev all occur here and intergrade perfectly, it is not worth while consid- 

 ering them. 



Genus SCIUROPTERUS. 



(20) Sciuropterus volans. 



(Common Flying Squirrel.) 



Common in southern Ontario, but not often seen, as it is nocturnal 

 in its habits, never venturing from its retreat in some hollow tree, until 

 after sunset. The so-called Flying Squirrels do not really fly, but the 

 skin along their sides is capable of expansion so that it acts as a para- 

 chute. 



During the winter this squirrel lies dormant, retiring to its nest in 

 November and reappearing about the beginning of .A.pril. 



(*) (21) Sciuropterus sabrinus. 



(Northern Flying Squirrel.) 

 This species ranges from the northern counties north to Hudson's 

 Bay. The ranges of the two species probably overlap. 



Order INSECTIVORA. (The Insect Eaters.) 



A large group of small mammals, somewhat similar to the Carnivora, 

 but the individuals so small as to be unable to overpower vertebrate ani- 

 mals and therefore feeding chiefly upon insects. 



F.-^MiLY SORICID.^. (The Shrews.) 



Small mouse-like animals, but having the muzzle elongate; eyes and 

 external ears developed. Feet not specially adapted for digging. 



