126 Field Museum of Natural History — Zo6logy, Vol. XL 



branches, which is composed of twigs, leaves and bark; but such nests 

 seem to be the exception in this latitude. 



I am satisfied that Red Squirrels pair, at least in Massachusetts, 

 where for many years I had somewhat unusual opportunities for ob- 

 serving them. The young are born in April and vary in number from 

 4 to 6, although in a majority of cases the number is probably 4 or 5. 



The harsh chattering notes of this species are well known to those 

 who wander in the woods, but it also has several sharp scolding notes, 

 which it usually utters when annoyed by something and thinks itself 

 unobserved. 



Kennicott says, ''Unlike any other of the true squirrels found here, 

 this species sometimes, but not generally, lives in holes in the ground. 

 Unlike the others, too, it collects into its hole in autumn an ample 

 provision of the good things of squirrel life, wherewith to console and 

 sustain itself in the uncomfortable season of frost and snow. It is 

 well known that the Chickaree makes large hoards of nuts, acorns and 

 seeds. These are deposited in hollow trees, and sometimes under fallen 

 logs, and even in holes in the ground. In consequence of his good 

 cheer, this squirrel is seen actively scampering about in cold weather, 

 when his hungry cousins cannot pluck up courage to leave their warm 

 abodes, even in search of food. In the cornfield, his depredations are 

 at times a source of much annoyance to the farmer. Besides eating 

 at the time with others, this provident species is said to carry off corn 

 to its hole for winter use." (/. c, p. 68.) 



The food of the Red Squirrel is very varied and it is practically 

 omnivorous, especially in winter. It is fond of beechnuts and other 

 nuts, acorns, berries, fruit, insects, mushrooms, birds' eggs, young birds, 

 and a variety of other things too numerous to mention. 



Specimens examined from Illinois, Wisconsin and adjoining states: 

 Illinois — (O.) Lake Forest, i ; Fox Lake, 1 = 2. 



Wisconsin — Beaver Dam, 2; Sayner, 2; Solon Springs, 7; Tomahawk 

 Lake, i; Camp Douglas, 3; Woodruff, i; Lac Vieux Desert, Vilas 

 Co., 3; (M. P. M.) Rhine, Sheboygan Co., i; Cataline, 15; Maiden 

 Rock, 7; Conover, i; Pembine, i; Milwaukee Co., i; Washington 

 Island, Door Co., i; Sheboygan Falls, i; Golden Lake, Waukesha 

 Co., i; Rochester, Racine Co., 2; Milwaukee, i; Merton, i; Jackson- 

 port, Door Co., I ; Burnett Co., i ; ElHson Bay, Door Co., i ; Muskego 

 Lake, 2; Prairie du Sac, 2; Kelly Brook, Oconto Co., i; Wauwatosa, 

 i; (O. C.) Rochester, Racine Co., i; Pewaukee, 4; Fisher Lake, 

 Iron Co., 13; Langlade Co., 6; Fox Point, Milwaukee Co., i; Oak 

 Creek, Milwaukee Co., 2 = 88. 

 Michigan — Park Siding, 6; Murphy Lake, 4; Dowagiac, 5=15. 



