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in others, and then perhaps hibernating in a third at some distance from 

 this. 



Several species of Spermophilm are remarkable among North American 

 Rodentia for their carnivorous habits. Dr Hay has satisfied himself 

 that the Striped Gopher (S. tridecemlineatus') acts as a useful check upon 

 the increase of various Arvicolse and other Field Mice, and says that 

 Ground Squirrels cannot inhabit the same locality. 



In confinement it kills small Squirrels and Mice presented to it, utter- 

 ing a low, snarling growl, and emitting a musteline odor. Like the 

 Weasels, it sucks the blood, eats out the brains, and devours the carcass 

 as it needs it. The present species is also carnivorous, but less so than 

 the Striped Gopher. One kept in confinement by Prof. Baird was decid- 

 edly carnivorous, and one observed by Dr. Hoy killed mice put in its 

 cage. 



This Squirrel inhabits thickets and edges of timber, banks of ditches, 

 and grain fields. It takes up newly planted corn, as does the Striped 

 Gopher and Chipmunk. 



It is not sufficiently carnivorous, however, to warrant its protection 

 when the accounts of benefits and injuries are balanced. The Striped 

 Gopher destroys so many Meadow Mice that it is worthy of protection 

 rather than destruction. 



The following account of a colony of this species is transcribed from 

 Mr. Kennicott's article already cited : 



'• In the early part of summer twenty or thirty of these animals suddenly made their 

 appearance, and burrowed in an old embankment within three or four rods of my fath- 

 er's house. They seemed to have lost the shyness exhibited when leading a solitary 

 life, and were not alarmed at the near approach of man. They even came about the 

 kitchen door to pick up crumbs, and disputed with the chickens for their food. Like 

 the Striped SpermaphiUs, they glided silently to their burrows when alarmed, uttering, 

 as they entered, a remarkably clear whistle twitter, more musical than the voice of any 

 other mammal I ever listened to, and as clear as that of a bird. The same note was 

 uttered when the animal was much hurt or frightened. They fed upon June grass, 

 clover, timothy, and the broad-leaved plantain. * * * A number of young chickens • 

 disappearing, and the eggs being eaten in several hens' nests near the burrows of the 

 SpermopMlei, suspicion rested upon them, probably unjustly, and a war of extermination 

 was commenced. Several were shot, while others were killed with clubs, whereupon 

 the survivors left in a body, as suddenly as they had come, and were never seen again, 

 nor could they be found on any part of the farm." 



This Gopher is regarded by the farmers of Iowa as far more destructive 

 than the Striped Gopher, sometimes destroying acres of newly planted 

 corn by eating the seed. The burrows run to the depth of three to four 

 feet, and are quite extensive. 



