388 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.' 



It makes its nest in hollow trees, with moss, 

 straw, WQ.O!, &c. It lays up stores of provisions in 

 holes made in the ground, for its Avinter sustenance. 

 These hoards are often destroyed by Swine; they 

 are sometimes so long covered with snow, that the 

 Squirrels perish for want of food. 



The fur is very valuable, and is imported under 

 the name o&petit-gfis. 



THE BLACK SQUIRREL. 



(Sciurus Niger, Linn. L' Eciircuil noir, Buff.) 



Is about the same size and form with the last; 

 but its tail is not so long. It is generally black, 

 with white on the nose, ears, and end of the tail. 



Its dispositions and habits are so similar to the 

 Grey Squirrel, that it might be taken for a variety 

 of that kind ; but it is said to associate in separate 

 troops, and is equally numerous. 



It is found in the northern parts of Asia, North 

 America, and Mexico. 



In the latter country, there is a variety with 

 plain round ears, the upper part of the body varie- 

 gated with black, white, and brown. It is twice 

 the size of the common Squirrel, lives under 

 ground, where it brings forth its young, and lays 

 in its stock of provisions. It feeds on maize, and 

 is extremely lively, gentle and docile. It is the 

 Coquallin of M. Buffon. 



