48 



VERTEBEATES: MAMMALS, 



other tree, and soon passes out of sight. Sometimes, 

 when startled, it commences chattering witli great fury, 

 and leaping about as if in defiance of the intruder. 



The Plying. Squirrels have a thin skin, or membrane, 

 covered with fur, which extends along the sides of the 

 body between the fore and hind legs, and which, when 

 spread out, serves as a support in leaping from tree to 

 tree, and enables them to perform a sort of flight. They 

 are nocturnal, and therefore not often seen. Their nests 

 are made in the hollows of trees, 

 where large companies often live 

 together. The Common Flying 

 Squirrel of the United States is 

 about five inches long, and the fur 

 is soft, silky, and yellowish brown. 

 It is quite easily tamed, and, being 

 gentle and very beautiful, makes 

 a pleasant pet. 



The Striped Squirrels have cheek-pouches, in which 

 they carry grain and nuts to their holes, and they have 

 a shorter and less bushy tail than the others. The 



Fig. 87. — Flying Squirrel. 



Fig. 88. — Striped Squirrel, or Chipmunk. 



Coiniuon Striped Squirrel, or Chipmunk, is about five 

 inches long to the tail, and the color is yellowish gray, 

 with five black stripes on the back and sides. In au- 

 tumn the Chipmunks may be seen with their cheek- 



