36 



THE MAMMALS OF THE WOODS 



while in Russia this is replaced by a grey one. In the Alps, as well as 

 in northern Europe generally, the squirrel lives mostly in trees, although it is 

 said to have been found wandering in troops through Lapland and Norway, and 

 even swimming the rivers ; but in the main it seldom leaves the wooded area., 

 and never wanders far from its home. Where the trees are sufficiently close it 

 will climb, run, and jump from one to the other without touching the ground ; 

 but, when' frightened, it will not hesitate to drop to the ground from the highest 

 tree, alighting without hurt, and immediately climbing the next. 



The forest-trees are 

 not only its home, but 

 also furnish its food, con- 

 sisting of seeds, nuts, 

 acorns, pine-seeds, fruit- 

 pips, and, in times 

 of scarcity, even buds 

 and bark. When on the 

 ground, the squirrel will 

 also eat mushrooms ; and 

 it not unfrequently attacks 

 birds, destroys their nests, 

 and devours their eggs and young. It eats its food in a dainty way, sitting up on 

 its hind-legs, and thrusting it into its mouth with its fore-paws. In the autumn 

 squirrels gather large quantities of food, which they store for winter use in 

 hollow trees. The species undergoes no real winter sleep, although in bad weather 

 it may not leave its nest for days. The drey, as the nest is called, is round, 

 closed at the top, softly lined in the interior, and with only one entrance ; and 

 generally there are several of them close togethei-. The pairing-season lasts from 

 the end of February until April, and during this time many and fierce are -the 



THE SQUIRREL-TAILED DORMOUSE. 



