164 The Flying Squirrel 



that of rudder and parachute. I do not mean by this 

 that the tail can in any way turn the animal from a 

 straight line, except that probably by bending it down- 

 ward, and at the same time elevating the chin, it 

 brings the body to a convenient angle for alighting 

 upon an upright object. The distance to which the 

 flying squirrel can "fly" depends entirely upon the 

 elevation from which it starts. The angle of descent 

 is ordinarily from twenty to thirty degrees, although 

 the desire of the animal, together with the direction 

 and force of the wind, probably commands an extreme 

 range of from forty degrees to a nearly perpendicular 

 drop. The usual mode of travel from place to place, 

 if trees are convenient, is sailing from the top of one 

 to the base of another, then running up this and again 

 sailing. It is surprising how quickly one of these 

 little fellows can travel a quarter of a mile. 



Do not imagine, because you have never seen a 

 flying squirrel other than a mounted specimen, that 

 they are rare; in reality they are quite plentiful, but 

 being thoroughly nocturnal they are seldom seen. 

 Now if you really wish to know the flying squirrel at 

 home, go into a grove of large maples, beeches, or 

 chestnuts on a still moonlight evening in September, 

 find a comfortable seat and remain quiet for a little 

 while. Should it so happen that you do not see a flying 



