82 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



taste for flesh, and does not even spare its own 

 species. There are also some species in 

 America. 



The Squirrels, (Sciurus, L.) 



Which have always been regarded as a separate 

 genus, are recognised by the lower incisors being 

 extremely compressed, and by their long tail, fur- 

 nished with long and scattered hairs, directed side- 

 ways like the barbs of quills. They have four toes 

 in front, and five behind, sometimes the fore-thumb 

 is marked by a tubercle. They have four tubercu- 

 lous cheek-teeth throughout, and one very small one 

 in front above, which falls very soon. They are 

 light and lively animals, living in trees, nestling- 

 there, and subsisting on fruits. The head is large ? 

 and the eyes projecting and lively. 

 , There are many species of them in the two conti- 

 nents. 



The Common Squirrel, (Sciurus Vulgaris,) Buff. VII. 



XXXII. 



Of a lively red, the ears terminated by a cluster 

 of hairs. Those of the North become of a beau- 

 tiful bluish ash-colour in winter, and then pro- 

 duce the fur called minever. There are also 

 brown and black varieties. 



The American species have not the brush of 

 hair at the ears. 



