523 
The chipmunk of this part of the country differs strikingly from 
the New England representative in two respects. In the first place 
it is far more independent of any such shelter as logs, stones, fences, 
etc., in choosing a place for its burrow. This is often found in an 
open spot so near the border of the woods that its owner is a near 
neighbor to the striped gopher. Then, too, our chipmunk takes to a 
tree more readily and climbs far more daringly than the eastern one 
does. Though I have never seen one attempt a leap from branch to 
branch, it climbs readily to a height of thirty or forty feet, and seems 
quite at home on the trunk and larger branches, showing none of that 
uneasiness which Merriam attributes to the chipmunk of the Ad- 
irondacks when treed. 
I have seen chipmunks pass in and out of holes in hollow trees 
at a considerable elevation, but have no proof that such cavities 
were used either for nests or storehouses. The nests are usually at 
the end of burrows six or ten feet in length, running diagonally down 
to a depth of two or three feet. If the nest is under a log, stump, 
-or other shelter, the depth may be less. At first the burrows are 
quite simple, but, later, accessory runways are dug leading to vari- 
ous chambers used as storehouses. Chipmunks are social, a number 
living together in the same nest. 
The food of the chipmunk is largely nuts, acorns, arid various 
small seeds—including corn and grain. It also eats fungi, and is 
exceedingly fond of berries and other juicy fruits. I find no record 
of its eating insects or other animal food, but it 1s a remarkable ex- 
ception to the other squirrels if it does not do so. It stores up food 
for winter in underground cavities, and often in surprisingly large 
quantities. Kennicott took over half a bushel of hickory-nuts and 
acorns from one such storehouse. It has also been observed to bury 
stores in a manner similar to that of the other squirrels. 
In spite of abundant supplies chipmunks have been found in a 
semi-torpid condition during the winter. On the other hand, they 
have been seen abroad by various observers even in severe weather, 
when there was snow on the ground. Probably the winter sleep is 
never so deep and so long continued as is the case with the wood- 
chuck or other truly hibernating animals. 
Chipmunks, although not rare, are by no means so plentiful in 
the county as in rougher portions of the country. Undoubtedly the 
lack of protection afforded by rocks, stone walls, rail fences, etc., 
