SQUIRRELS. 303 



elude the sight, they offer in their native state a most interesting 

 subject, for admiration to all who love the woodland walks, 

 those quiet haunts where one may 



solitary court 



Th' inspiring breeze ; and meditate the book 

 Of Nature ever open." 



When it happens that the squirrel misses its hold in leaping 

 a rare case it grasps in its descent at the first object that 

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

 itself out in the manner of the flying squirrel (Pteromys), and 

 thereby presenting a greater resistance to the air, is enabled to 

 reach the ground without injury, and, instantaneously recovering 

 itself, ascends a neighbouring tree, emitting very frequently a 

 querulous bark, which is either a note of fear or triumph. 

 Although the squirrel moves with considerable rapidity on the 

 ground, yet then it rather runs than leaps. 



The food of these animals consists chiefly, if not entirely, of 

 fruits, seeds, young buds, bark, and other vegetal substances. 

 Nuts and seeds of all kinds are usually carried to the mouth 

 by means of the fore-paws, which hold them between the 

 rudimental thumbs and the inner portions of the palms. When 

 disturbed at its meals, the squirrel either drops the nut and 

 makes a rapid retreat, or seizing it with the incisor teeth carries 

 it to its hole or nest. Several species collect more or less food 

 during the abundant season of autumn, to serve as a winter 

 store. 



THE EUROPEAN SQUIRREL. (Sciurus vulgaris, Linn.) 



This species abounds in almost all the large woods throughout 

 Europe and the North of Asia. 



The average length, from the extremity of the head to that 

 of the body, is eight inches and a half, or, including the tail, 

 one foot two inches and three quarters. The back is of a lively 

 red colour, the belly white, and the ears terminated by a tuft 



