100 



SUBKIN6D0M VERTEBEATA. 



Tig. 165. 



Pteromys mlucdta, Flying Sqninel, J. 



of the skin of the flank between the fore and the hind legs, 

 which, with the flattened tail, forms a parachute to sustain 

 it in leaping from tree to tree.* There is probably but one 

 species in North America, differing in color and size accord- 

 ing to locality. The Chipmunk, or Striped Squirrel, has 

 cheek-pouches opening internally outside the teeth, capable 



Mg. 166. 



Tartiias stridtus. Chipmunk. I. 



Spermopl&lvs iridScem Hiatus, 

 striped Prairie Squirrel, t h 



* It is Tiotfiight, Pince the pquirrel cannot propel itself in the air, nor even sus- 

 tain itself at the same heii):ht. The firi^t impulse being p;iven by its powerftil hind 

 legs, it descends ohliqucly, and just before reaching; the point aimed at, by an upward 

 movement of the tail and the impetus of its velocity, ascends a short distance, and 

 thus alights fl.nt upon its four feet. 



t In Iowa, Minn., Wis., and northern HI , this squirrel is popularly known as the 

 Gopher. The true animal of this name is given on p. 97. The former is sometimes 

 destructive to crops in new districts, but a few pails of water will drive it out of its 

 shallow burrow ; while it fully recompenses all its damage by destroying mice and 

 noxious insects. 



