303 



HlSrOKY OF 



strongly marked upon them all, I cannot help considering them 

 in the latter point of view -, rather as the common descendants 

 ot one parent, than originally formed with such distinct simili- 

 tudes. 



The squirrel is a beautiful little animal,' which is but half 

 savage ; and which, from the gentleness and innocence of its 

 manners, deserves our protection. It is neither carnivorous nor 

 hurtful : its usual food is fruits, nuts, and acorns ; it is cleanly, 

 nimble, active, and industrious ; its eyes are sparkling, and its 

 physiognomy marked with meaning. It generally, like the hare 

 and rabbit, sits up on its hinder legs, and uses the fore-paws as 

 hands ; these have five claws or toes, as they are called, and one 

 of theUi is separated from the rest like a thumb. This animal 

 seems to approach the nature of birds, from its lightness, and 

 surprising agility on the tops of trees. It seldom descends to 

 the ground, except in case of storms, but jumps from one branch 

 to another ; feeds, in spring, on the buds and young shoots ; in 

 summer, on the ripening fruits, and particularly the young cones 

 of the pine-tree. In autumn it has an extensive variety to feast 

 upon ; the acorn, the filbert, the chesnut, and the wilding. This 

 season of plenty, however, is not spent in idle enjoyment ; the 

 provident little animal gathers at that time its provisions for the 

 winter ; and cautiously foresees the season when the forest shall 

 be stripped of its leaves and fruitage. 



Its nest is generally formed among the large branches of a 

 great tree, where they begin to fork off into small ones. After 

 choosing the place where the timber begins to decay, and a hol- 

 low may the more easily be formed, the squin-el begins by mak- 

 ing a kind of level between the forks j and then bringing moss, 

 twigs, and dry leaves, it binds them together with great art, so as 

 to resist the most violent storm. This is covered up on all sides ; 

 •and has but a single opening at top, which is just large 

 enough to admit the little animal ; and this opening is itself de- 

 fended from the weather by a kind of canopy, made in the 

 fashion of a cone, so that it throws off the rain, though never so 

 heavy. The nest thus formed, with a very little opening above, 

 is, nevertheless, very commodious and roomy below ; soft, well 

 knit together, and every way convenient and warm. In this re- 

 treat the little animal brings forth its young, shelters itself from 



1 BiiiToii. 



