THE SQUIEEEL. ddo 



the ground without injury, and recover itself so instantaneously 

 that it often escapes the teeth of the Dog that watches its de- 

 scent, 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 everything 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 par- 

 take of almost everything ; 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 Avell as fruits of every description ; they are also very partial 

 to locusts, which they tear to pieces and devour with the great- 

 est zest. 



"When wild. Squirrels are said never to resort to the streams 

 for water, but quench their thirst by sipping the dew and rain 

 that collects on the leaves or in the hollows of trees; when do- 

 mesticated, they drink freely and often ; this may be occasioned 

 by the difference in diet, as the sweets they eat in confinement 

 will produce a thirst in any animal. 



