ANIMAL PETS, IN AND OUT OF DOORS 57 



pet, and one can only appreciate its habits to tiie full by observing 

 it in enjoyment of the wild woodland or park where it has chosen to 

 make its home. 



Had our present section not included animals suitable for keeping 

 or observing out of doors, the Squirrel would assuredly not have 

 been accorded a place, as if any creature is to be recognized by 

 having unfettered liberty it is the sly little animal now under review. 



How pleasant my own pilgrimages in the woods have been made 

 on many occasions by seeking an interview with a British Squirrel, 

 and how many happy games at hide-and-seek I have played with 

 the frolicsome creature as he has gambolled in the tree-tops to his 

 heart's content. 



I came across one not long since as he was engaged sitting on 

 the ground on his haunches, with his back perched against the bole 

 of a tall tree. He held a fir-cone in his fore-paws, much after the 

 manner of the American species shown in Fig. 47, and I was attracted 

 to the spot by the loud tumult made by some Missel-Thrushes, which 

 were evidently much perturbed at Master Squirrel forsaking^ his 

 home among the leafy mansions above. Their harsh scolding notes 

 sounded strange in the peaceful retreat in which I found myself, and 

 I knew from my experience of woodcraft that something was amiss. 

 Careful stalking revealed the little incident I have so imperfectly 

 described, but some satisfaction was obtained which, to those who 

 study wild Nature's ways, is so acceptable. It is a good thing to 

 make a point of becoming acquainted with the why and wherefore 

 of rural sounds, for by this means a good deal of useful and interest- 

 ing information is elicited, and an intimate insight obtained as to 

 the home life of furred and feathered creatures. 



The "drey," or nest, of the Squirrel always attracts attention 

 from the young folks who may accompany me on Natural History 

 excursions, but even to-day there are persons who ask whether the 

 Bat or the Squirrel lays eggs ! Of course both creatures, being 

 mammals, produce their young alive, and there is every indication 

 that the ways of wild animals will be far better appreciated and 

 understood in the immediate future in view of the introduction into 

 our schools of a system of real Nature Study. No more need be 

 said here of these popular fallacies that still exist, but one or two 

 anecdotes of Unnatural History at the Zoo related to me by Mr. 

 W. S. Berridge, F.Z.S., may fittingly conclude our reference to the 

 animals recently considered. 



