THE SQUIRREL. 



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neighbor as is the case with the greater number of the Squirrels. It lives chiefly in the 

 depths of the forests, and feeds upon the wild fruits that grow without any aid from the 

 hand of mankind. It is easily tamed, and being an active, amusing animal, as well as 

 possessed of a beautifully marked coat, is often domesticated among the inhabitants 

 of the same country. The flesh of the Jelerang is thought to be very good, and is eaten 

 by the natives. 



The generic term Sciurus, which is applied to all the animals that belong to this 

 genus, is of Greek derivation, and signifies "shadow tail," in allusion to the manner in 

 which the Squirrels curl their bushy tails over their bodies, as if to shade them from 

 the rays of the sun. The name Ptkromys, 

 which is applied to the Taguan, is also taken 

 from the Greek language, and signifies 

 " winged-mouse." 



EVERY one is familiar with the lively little 

 English SQUIRREL, which makes the woods 

 joyous with its active gambols, and is too 

 often repaid for its gaiety by being captured 

 and compelled to make sport for its owner 

 within the narrow precincts of a wire cage. 



This little animal is plentiful in many 

 parts of England, and, indeed, is generally 

 found wherever there is a tolerably large 

 copse or a wood of moderate dimensions. 

 In private grounds and parks it luxuriates, 

 knowing instinctively that it may wander at 

 its own will, unchecked and unharmed. 

 Among the tree branches its powers of ac- 

 tivity are absolutely surprising, for it will 

 fling itself through such distances, and at such 

 a height, that it seems likely to be dashed 

 to pieces every instant. Yet it seldom or 

 never makes a false step, and even if it 

 should lose its foothold, it is not at all dis- 

 concerted, but spreads out its legs and 

 bushy tail to their utmost expansion, so that 

 it presents a large surface to the air, and 

 comes quite lightly to the earth, even though 

 it may have leaped from a considerable 

 height. 



On the ground it is not so much at its 

 ease as when it is careering amid the 

 branches of some large tree, and, as soon as 

 it feels alarmed, always makes the best of its 

 way towards the nearest tree trunk. Its gait is a kind of semi-gallop, and even when 

 ascending a perpendicular tree stem, it maintains the same galloping movements, and 

 ascends to a considerable height in a very small space of time. 



To watch a little party of Squirrels in a tree is a most amusing occupation, but not 

 very easily managed, as the little creatures are blessed with quick eyesight, and if they 

 happen to spy any object which they fancy may be dangerous, they always keep them- 

 selves on the opposite side of the trunk or branches of the tree which they are traversing. 

 So jealously do they guard themselves by the interposition of the branches, that it is 

 most difficult to shoot one of these animals after it has once caught sight of the gunner. 

 By dint of patience, however, it is possible to witness the whole proceedings of the 

 merry little creatures, and to obtain a great fund of amusement by so doing. 



Squirrel-hunting is always a great sport among boys, and is the more fascinating 

 because the Squirrel is hardly ever captured in fair chase. 



JELERANG, OR JAVAN SQUIRREL. 



Sciurus Javeasis. 



