536 
resembles the chirp of a bird, and may be kept up for ten minutes 
at a time. 
This squirrel 1s one of the most easily tamed of all our wild ani- 
mals, none of which are more gentle and interesting. The captive 
may usually be trusted to run about the room without making any 
effort to escape. However, if given too much liberty, according to 
my experience, some day, with no apparent reason and when least ex- 
pected, there is a dash for liberty, and the squirrel is gone for good. 
The playfulness of these little animals, their gentle, graceful beauty, 
and their wonderful vivacity make them most delightful pets. 
BEAVER. 
Castor canadensis Kuhl. 
(Beit. Zool., 1820, p. 64.) 
The beaver seems to have been practically exterminated in this 
part of the state before the first permanent settlers came. There 
was an extensive dam on the South Fork a few miles above Urbana, 
and several others, less generally known, on the lower part of the 
Salt Fork. There is probably not a wild beaver in the state at the 
present time. 
BLACK RAT. 
Mus rattus Linneeus. 
(GyyStia INigitte, Wo, UWS, jo, Gila) 
The black rat is mentioned by early travelers as existing in the 
river towns in the southern part of the state. It is extinct at pres- 
ent so far as known. 
BROWN RAT; NORWAY RAT. 
Mus norvegicus Erxleben. 
(SyySity Ivers Vaiantames Wo, W7/7// io, Sissi.) 
Mus decumanus Pallas, Nov. Sp. Quad. Glir., 1778, p. 91. 
This is the only species of rat found in the county, and probably 
the only one now in the state. Like the house-mouse, it has become 
cosmopolitan. JI have never myself seen the animals or identified 
their burrows in open fields, borders of woods, etc., except in the im- 
