COMMON SQUIRREL. 
‘continued through all the Arctic countries, wherefoever wood is 
found ; abounds throughout Sidiria, except in the north-eaft parts, 
and in Kamtfchatka, where it ceafes, by reafon of the ceflation of 
forefts. 
In all thefe countries they are red in fummer, but at approach of 
winter change to various and elegant greys. Their furs are of ex- 
guifite foftnefs, and are the forts known to us by the name of Petit 
Gris. In the more foutherly parts of thefe cold climates, they retain 
a tinge of the fummer red, and are lefs valuable. The change of 
color is effected gradually, as is its return in {pring te its ferruginous 
coat. 
It is very fingular, that the alteration is not only performed in the 
feverity of the open air, but even in the warmth of a ftove. Dr. 
Pallas made the experiment on one which was brought to him on the 
12th of September, and was at that time entirely red. About the 4th 
of Oéfober many parts of the body began to grow hoary; and.at 
the time it happened to die, which was on the 4th of November, the 
whole body had attained a grey color, and the legs, and a fmall part 
of the face, had alone the reddifh tinge *. 
The varieties are as follow:—A blackith one, with the fur footy tipt 
with red, and full black gloffy tail, are common about lake Baikal, 
and the whole courfe of the Lena. Sir Afbton Lever is in poffeffion 
of one of ajetty blacknefs, with a white belly: its ears, as well as 
thofe of all the Petit Gris, are adorned with-very long tufts. Thefe 
change in winter to a lead-color, and are taken in the thick pine 
forefts, where the Pinus Cembra, or Stone Pines, abound. The {kins 
of thefe are neglected by the Chinefe, but greatly efteemed in Europe, 
efpecially the tails, for facings of dreffes. 
This variety is obferved fometimes to migrate in amazing num- 
bers from their lofty alpine abodes, compelled to it whenever there 
happens to be a fcarcity of provifion +. Swarms have appeared even 
% Nov, Sp. Quad, 373: + Nov. Sp. an. 1880 
R 2 in 
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