HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 389 



THE DORMOUSE, OR GROUND 

 SQUIRREL. 



(Scinn/s Striatus, Linn. Lc Suissc, Buff.) 



Is very numerous in the forests of North America, 

 as well as the North of Asia. * It burrows in the 

 ground, and makes two entrances to its habitation, 

 that if one should be -stopped up, it may have 

 access by the other. Its hole is formed with great 

 skill, having several branches from the principal 

 passage, each of which is terminated by a store- 

 house, in which its winter food is deposited: in one 

 is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a third 

 maize, and in another chesnuts, which are its 

 favourite food. 



These animals seldom stir out during winter, nor 

 so long as their provisions last: when those fail, 

 they sometimes work their way into places where 

 apples are laid up, or in barns where maize is 

 stored, and make great havock. During harvest, 

 they fill their mouths so full with corn, that their 

 cheeks are quite distended ; and in this manner 

 carry it to their concealed store. They give great 



