MAMMALIA—SQUIRREL. | 249 
nuts duriag the summer, which it deposits in the hollow part of some old 
tree, and to these has recourse for provision in winter; and such is the 
agility of its body, that it will, in an instant, climb a beach tree, let its bark 
be ever so smooth. 
: THE AMERICAN GRAY SQUIRREL! 
Is remarkable for its beauty and activity, and is common throughout the 
United States. It is generally found in hickory and chesnut woods, where 
it feeds on nuts, a.d lays up a hoard for the winter. They construct their 
nests with care on the tops of tall trees, and seldom leave them during the 
cold weather. They do a great deal of mischief in the corn fields, by 
destroying and carrying off a great quantity of corn. They are very easily 
domesticated, and in captivity are very playful and mischievous. The gray 
squirrel is commonly of a fine bluish gray, mingled with a golden color. 
AMERICAN FLYING SQUIRREL? 

Tne common flying squirrel is very abundant in the United States, and i¢ 
much admired for the softness of its fur, and the gentleness of its disposi 
tion. The skin of the sides is extended from the fore to the hind limbs, so 
as to form a sort of sail, which enables it to descend swiftly from a grea 
height, m cae easiest and most pleasant manner, often passing over a con 
siderable space. This squirrel is small, of an ash color above, and 
white beneath, with large, prominent black eyes. It builds its nest in 
hollow trees. 


1 Sciurus cinereus, Desm. 
2 Pteromys volucella, Desm. The genus Pteromys has two upper and two lower inci- 
sors; no canines; ten upper and eight lower molars; head round; ears rounded; eyes 
large; fore feet with four elongated toes, with compressed sharp claws and the rudi- 
ment of a thumb; hind feet with five toes much divided; tail long, hairy, sometimes 
distichous; skin of the sides extended, forming a kind of parachute. 
32 
