78 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



that the little dwelling is secure even amidst a storm. 

 So far its ingenuity is obvious. It is also vigilant ; at 

 the slightest appearance of danger bounding even from 

 tree to tree, and rarely venturing to stop until far distant 

 from the cause of its alarm. Nor should its frugality be 

 forgotten. Its food consists chiefly of nuts and acorns ; 

 these are, however, seldom found in the nest, but care- 

 fully laid up in the hollows of the tree, where the store 

 is only touched in cases of necessity. Thus it provides 

 for a time of want : this is one of the many lessons 

 which may be learned from going to animals, and " con- 

 sidering their ways." 



The blindness of instinct, however, is often displayed 

 by a tame squirrel, for after having been captured in 

 the nest, and removed from the influence of instruction 

 and example, it is impelled to hoard, though to do so 

 is no longer necessary. If an inferior food be given it, 

 and another more agreeable to its palate be offered 

 shortly after, it will not carelessly drop the former, or 

 throw it hastily away, but will endeavour to conceal the 

 one before it receives the other. The regularity of its 

 action is remarkable in a state of captivity ; for if kept 

 in a circular moving cage, and allowed occasionally to 

 go out, it will frequently return of its own accord to 

 run round its wiry tread-mill. 



