517 
GNAWING ANIMALS. 
RODENTIA. 
FOX-SQUIRREL. 
Sciurus niger rufiventer (Geoffroy). 
Sciurus rufiventer Geoff., Cat. Mamm. Mus. d’Hist. Nat. Paris, 1803, p. 176. 
Sciurus ludovictanus Custis, Barton’s Med. and Phys. Journ., II., Pt. II., 1806, 
p. 47. 
This species is found throughout the state where conditions are 
favorable. It is the commonest squirrel in the county, being 
apparently the only one now in a real state of nature. Its habitat 
includes all natural woodland where it is not persecuted, and it may 
be found in artificial groves and park areas if these are not occupied 
by the gray squirrel. It is said to prefer the open woods and edges 
of dense forests, while the deeper woods, the recesses of the swamps, 
and the heavily timbered river-bottoms are occupied by the gray 
squirrel. Beyond the state the fox-squirrel ranges from northern 
Louisiana to southern Wisconsin, and over the greater part of the 
Mississippi Valley, while the whole group included by Osgood under 
the specific name mzger, is found from northern Florida to southern 
New York, its range on the south and west extending to central 
Texas and northeastern Mexico. 
The length of such specimens from this state as are available in- 
dicates an average length of about 21 inches (530 mm.) with a tail 
of about 9.5 inches (240 mm.). This is somewhat less than the 
measurements usually given for the species. The series examined 
is too small, however, to determine local variations. 
The dentition of the species is one incisor, one premolar, and 
three molars on each side above and below. This will serve to dis- 
tinguish this species from carolinensis, in which there are two pre- 
molars on each side above in the adult. 
But little has been added to our knowledge of the natural history 
of our squirrels since the observations of Kennicott, and the most 
that we can say is derived from his account. 
They are inclined to be solitary in their habits, more than two 
adults being seldom found living together, and a pair remaining 
together only during winter and spring. The young are from two 
to four in number. Kennicott says that probably two litters are 
born each year, but it is difficult to reconcile this statement with 
