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FLYING-SQUIRREL 



not affect the company of others of its own kind, nor does it retire in the winter, at which season 

 it wanders about. Its dwelling is in the hollows of trees, and its nest is generally made of moss 

 from the birch. It raises the tail when at rest, but when it takes its flying leaps, extends that 

 member. 



This is the only flying-squirrel known in Europe, but in Northern Asia, and also as far south 

 as Northern India and Xepaul, there are other species, among which are mentioned the S. noble, 

 the S. /range, <fec. 



In America there are several species, among which is the S. volucella, or Common Flying- 

 irrel, familiar to the inhabitants of the United States, and certainly one of the most curious, 

 soft, gentle, and beautiful of living things. The head is short and rounded, oose blunt, eyes prom- 

 inent, ears nearly naked: body and head four and a half inches long; tail, with the fur, four and 

 three-quarters inches; spread of the fore-legs, six inches, and the hind-legs, seven. The fur is 

 sofl and silky, the tail flat and distichous, the color brownish-ash, touched with cream-color above, 

 and white beneath. 



These squirrels are very numerous, but being chiefly nocturnal in their habits, they are not bo 

 frequently seen as some others. They are found in all the Atlantic States, in Canada, Texas, and 

 M' xico. They inhabit the woods, making their nests in the vacant hollows of trees, and some- 

 times in crevices in the eaves and roofs of houses; they teed on nuts and seeds, and occasionally, 

 it i- said, "ii flesh, if it falls in their way. In the north they produce young once a year, at the 

 ■south twice, three t<> six at a time. The period of gestation is about a month. If one of the 

 young i- taken from the nest, the mother on finding it lavs it on its back, when it takes her round 

 the neck with it- fore-legs, while she grasps its thigh in her mouth, and thus she proceeds rapidly 

 to deposit it again in its nest. These animals, though shy and solitary, readily become tamed, 

 and are exceedingly plea-ant little pets. 



During the day. these Bquirrek remain in their nests in repose, the glare of the sun being pain- 

 ful t" their eyes, which stand out like those of the owl. But at evening they issue from their 

 hiding-places, and display the most wonderful activity. They are social creatures, and large mini- ( 

 bera usually congregate in the same locality. An unobservant person might pass through their 

 haunt- for year-, in the daytime, and not dream of their existence; but if he will pause here at 

 nightfall, he will be Btruck with wonder and admiration at the scene they present.. They come out. 

 sometimes by dozens, from the tall trees, and commence flying in all directions. They -tart from; 



