118 VERTEBRATES. 



another J feeds, in spring, on the buds and young shoots; in 

 summer on the ripening fruits- and particularly the young cones 



The Squirrel. 



of the pine tree. In autumn it has an extensive variety to feast 

 upon ; the acorn, the filbert, the chestnut, and the wilding. This 

 season of plenty, however, is not spent in idle enjoyment; the 

 provident little animal gathers at that time its provisions for the 

 winter ; and cautiously foresees the season when the forest shall be 

 stripped of its leaves and fruitage. 



Its nest is generally formed among the large branches of a 

 great tree, where they begin to fork off into small ones. After 

 «hoo?ing the place where the timber begins to decay, that a hollow 

 may more easily be formed, the squirrel begins by making a kind of 

 a level between the forks ; and then bringing moss, twigs, and dry 

 leaves, it binds them together with great art, so as to resist the 

 most violent storm. This is covered up on all sides; and has but 

 a single opening at top, which is just large enough to admit the 

 little animal ; and this opening is itself defended from the weather 

 by a kind of canopy, made in the fashion of a cone, so that it 

 throws oflf the rain, though never so heavy. The nest thus formed, 

 with a very little opening above, is, nevertheless, very commodious 

 and roomy below ; soft, well knit together, and every way conve- 

 nient and warm. In this retreat the little animal brings forth its 

 young, shelters itself from the scorching heat of the sun, which 



