EUROPEAN FLYING SQUIRREL. 
in the day-time. Lives on the buds and catkins of the birch, and 
on the fhoots and buds of pines, which give its juices a {trong re- 
finous fmell; and its excrements will burn ftrongly, with a pitchy 
fcent. The laft are always found at the root of the tree, as if the 
animal defcended to eafe nature. It feldom comes out in bad wea- 
ther; but certainly does not remain torpid during winter ; for it is 
often taken in the traps laid for the Grey Squirrels. The fkins are 
often put up in the bundles with the latter, fo that the purchafer is 
defrauded, as their fur is of no value. ‘They leap at vaft diftances 
from tree to tree, and never defcend but for the purpofe before 
mentioned. By reafon of fimilitude of color between them and the 
birch bark, they are feen with great difficulty, which preferves them 
from the attacks of rapacious birds. 
They bring forth two, three, and rarely four, young at atime. 
When the parent goes out for food, the laps them carefully up in the 
mofs. They are very dificult to be preferved, and feldom can be 
kept alive, by reafon of want of proper food. They are born blind, 
and continue fo fourteen days. The mother pays them great atten- 
tion; broods over them, and covers them with its flying membrane.. 
The Ruffians call them. Lyetaga, or the Flying. 
HIS % 
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