354 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



greatly compressed ; it is enabled to leap from branch to branch, 

 and from tree to tree, clinging to the smallest twigs, and seldom 

 missing its hold. When this happens to be the case, it has an in- 

 stinctive habit of grasping in its descent at the first object which 

 may present itself; or, if about to fall to the earth, it spreads out 

 in the manner of the flying squirrel, and thus, by presenting a 

 greater resistance to the air, is enabled to reach the ground with- 

 out injury, and recover itself so instantaneously that it often 

 escapes the teeth of the dog that watches its descent and stands 

 ready to seize upon it at the moment of its fall." 



CAPTIVITY. 



In captivity the most of squirrels are gay, lively, and mis- 

 chievous ; they are easily tamed, and become very interesting pets ; 

 the most docile, however, will bite, at times, if worried ; they are 

 very destructive and troublesome if not perpetually confined to 

 their boxes, as when at liberty they try their long and sharp teeth 

 upon every thing within their reach ; no article of furniture can 

 escape them. 



Squirrels, we have noticed, sleep very soundly, and are not 

 easily aroused from their slumbers. They become attached to their 

 keepers, and some of them will allow no other person to handle 

 them. They are usually high-tempered, and are easily irritated. 



Great alarm or sensation of pain is expressed by squirrels by a 

 sharp, piercing cry; that of pleasure by a soft, rumbling noise, 

 somewhat like the purring of a cat; when fretted or roused from 

 their slumbers, they give forth a loud and angry growl. 



Although, in a state of nature, nuts, seeds, insects, and grain of 

 various kinds form their principal food, they soon learn to partake 

 of almost every thing ; several that we have had partook of bread 

 and milk with the greatest relish. 



They also become quite fond of sugar and all kinds of sweets, 

 as well as fruits of every description ; they are also very partial to 

 locusts, which they tear to pieces and devour with the greatest 

 zest. 



