178 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



of Augeas would indeed require the labours of a zoological 

 Hercules. We cannot hope alone to turn a river through 

 it ; the only chance of effecting the object is, by divided 

 labour and judicious industry. 



Zoology, while it includes the pursuit of the physicalities 

 of animals, without which, any comprehensive methodical 

 view of the subject is hopeless, has also a second great 

 branch, in what may be called the study of their moral cha- 

 racters and impulses ; the invisible, though limited opera- 

 tions of their humble minds, are better calculated to enlarge 

 our sphere of thought and reflection, and to teach us soberly 

 to estimate our own relative situation, than their material 

 differences of external form, and internal organization, 

 while the harmonious adaptation of these two branches 

 displays the being, the providence, and skill of the great 

 Maker and Preserver of all. 



As this species differs essentially, at least hut little in its 

 specific character, from others, we shall merely insert 

 M. Cuvier's observations on its manners and habits. It 

 has all the gait of the common Squirrel ; eats, seated on 

 the haunches, and holding its food in the hands, Sfc, No- 

 thing can be more lively or rapid than its actions. While 

 running with the utmost speed, it stops in an instant, turns 

 and returns by the same path, without any apparent eause 

 or excitement. In captivity, it suffers itself to be taken 

 and handled without the slightest resistance. It neverthe- 

 less seems to have no knowledge of persons, and never an- 

 swers to its name, however familiarised it may be with the 

 voice that calls ; but it understands the sound occasioned by 

 cracking a nut, and comes readily when any food is offered 

 to its sight. It is very fond of warmth, and lies and basks 

 in it as a great luxury. Toward evening, it collects toge- 

 ther all the hay and straw in its cage, forms it into a ball, 

 and retires to rest in the midst of it till morning. 



The Masked Squirrel, or Capistrate, is larger than the 



