518 
others he makes. Probably a single litter in March or April is all 
that is produced. The young are ‘‘ugly unsymmetrical little 
things at first, with monstrous heads and closed eyes; and it 1s some 
time before they acquire the elegant proportions and agile move- 
ments of their parents.’ 
Squirrels are very fond of corn, especially when it is green or 
newly ripened. In corn fields near extensive woodlands one often 
finds traces of their work. The ears of corn are either partly eaten 
on the stalk or carried to a neighboring fence or log and eaten. In 
early days, when their numbers were much greater than at present, 
squirrels became a veritable pest at times; but now their numbers are 
so reduced that there is little to fear from them. Both this species 
and the gray squirrel are great destroyers of birds’ nests, and thus 
indirectly do considerable harm. Woodpeckers and other birds 
nesting in hollow trees seem especially liable to suffer from them. 
The fox-squirrel is used for food, and probably the most of this 
species and the gray squirrel which are killed are so utilized. In 
early times they were sold in large quantities in the city markets of 
the state, and after the disappearance of the deer furnished an im- 
portant part of the fresh meat eaten by the settlers, being per- 
haps even better appreciated than they are now. 
The winter nests and permanent homes of the fox-squirrel are in 
hollow trees, and the same nest is said to be occupied by a pair for 
several successive seasons. Temporary nests are built of leaves and 
twigs in trees. These are apparently used for only a short time, and 
although usually at considerable height, I have seen them at an 
elevation of not more than twenty feet. Food for winter is stored 
up in large quantities in one place, but nuts, acorns, etc., are buried 
singly and dug up as needed. Apparently they do not truly hiber- 
nate, but are active all winter. 
Squirrels are protected by the game laws of the state from 
November 15 to June 1, but undoubtedly many are killed during the 
closed season. It is especially to be regretted that they should be 
shot in the spring during the breeding season, when the helpless 
young must perish also. Within the county limits it is doubtful 
if there is any enemy to compare with man in their destruction, 
though a few are killed by the larger hawks and owls. 
I fail to find any record of extensive migrations of this species 
such as have been so often observed in the case of the gray squirrel. 
