336 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



OTHER CHARACTERISTICS. 



"In tlie Spring the Squirrels shed their hair, which is replaced 

 bj a thinner and less furry coat; during Summer, their tails 

 are narrower and less feathery than in Autumn, when they 

 either receive an entirely new coat, or a very great accession of 

 fur; at this season, also, the outer surfaces of the ears are more 

 thickly and prominently clothed with fur than in the Spring 

 and Autumn." 



Some species of Squirrels breed twice in the course of the 

 Spring and Summer months; they all have several at a litter. 

 In the Northern latitudes, where the earth is shrouded for 

 months in a chilling mantle of snow, the various species of 

 Squirrels indigenous to these inhospitable climes, retire to their 

 secure retreats, either in the ground, or in the fissures of rocks, 

 or hollows of trees, where, surrounded by their Winter store, 

 they pass the time in a state of sluggish and benumbed existence, 

 not very far removed from that dormancy observed in many 

 other quadrupeds. Some varieties, to a certain extent, live in 

 communities, more especially during the time they pass in their 

 Winter quarters. Several species have cheek-pouches, in which 

 they can stow away an incredible quantity of nuts and seeds. 



THEIR ENEMIES. 



The whole tribe of Squirrels, like the more timid and defence- 

 less Hare, has a host of enemies constantly on the lookout to 

 make them their prey. 



The Fox, Weasel, Wild Cat, and Mink, are ever on the prowl, 

 and ready to pounce upon the active little Squirrel whenever 

 they can secure them by stratagem or pursuit ; the Weasel is 

 ever on the alert, and, following his victims into their otherwise 

 secure retreats, attacks them with the most sanguinary spirit, 

 and soon dispatches the anxious parent as well as her tender 

 and unconscious litter, impelled alone to such savage deeds by 

 an unquenchable thirst for blood, for they seldom partake of 

 but a small portion of that which they so wantonly destroy. 



Several varieties of Hawks, Owls, and even Snakes, capture 

 Squirrels, and prey upon their young. 



