THE SQUIRHEL. 275 



makes an interesting observation with regard to 

 the storage of fungi. Our own red squirrel feeds 

 to a considerable extent on the poisonous-looking 

 mushrooms that grow in sheltered woods, and it 

 is probable that Seton's observations are applicable 

 to the squirrels of this country also. He says : * 

 ' The second food-supply in winter is mushrooms, 

 chiefly of the genus Russula. If these were to be 

 stored in the same way as the other provisions, they 

 would doubtless rot long before they could be of 

 service. The squirrel stores them in the only 

 available way that is, in the forked branches 

 of the trees. Here they are safe from the snow 

 that would bury them, from the deer and field- 

 mouse that would steal them, and instead of rot- 

 ting, they dry up and remain in good order until 

 needed.' 



It would certainly seem that squirrels exercise a 

 good deal of judgment in the selection of suitable 

 storage-quarters ; and just as rooks are known to 

 store walnuts in manure in order that they may 

 not be frozen in, so the autumn campaign of the 

 squirrel is conducted with intelligent regard for 

 the changed conditions which come with winter. 



HIBERNATION. 



If a cold snap comes early, the squirrel each day 

 travels a less distance from its den, rising a little 

 later each morning, and retiring a little earlier. 

 Finally, if the cold snap holds, he emerges for 

 only an hour or so at midday, and one morning 

 he does not emerge at all. There he is, in his cosy 

 bed, dry and warm, with a goodly supply of food 

 at hand, sleeping his winter sleep, of which we 

 hear so much and see so little. 



* Life Histories of Northern Animals. 



