HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 385 



THE SQUIRREL. 



(Sciiirit-s I W^w/.v, Linn. L'Ecu-rcuilj Buff.) 



THIS beautiful little animal is equally admirable 

 for the neatness and elegance of its formation, as 

 for its liveliness and activity. Its disposition is 

 gentle and harmless. Though naturally wild, it is 

 soon familiarized to confinement and restraint ; and 

 though excessively timid, it is easily taught to re- 

 ceive with freedom the most familiar caresses from 

 the hand that feeds it. 



It usually lives in woods, and makes its nest of 

 moss or dry leaves in the hollows of trees. It sel- 

 dom descends upon the ground, but leaps irom tree 

 to tree with great agility. 



Its food consists of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, 

 &c. ; of which it accumulates great stores for winter 

 provision, and secures them carefully near its nest. 

 In the summer it feeds on buds and young shoots, 

 and is particularly fond of the cones of the fir and 

 pine trees. 



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