five were racing single file round the table. After 

 the first round they became excited and each 

 one went his best. The circle they were follow- 

 ing was not large, and the floor was smooth. 

 Presently the rear legs of one skidded comically, 

 then the fore feet of another; and now and then 

 one lost his footing and rolled entirely over, then 

 arose, looking surprised and foolish, but with a 

 leap entered the circle and was again at full speed. 



I enjoy having them about, and spend many 

 a happy hour watching them or playing with 

 them. They often make a picnic-ground of my 

 porch, and now and then one lies down to rest 

 upon one of the log seats, where, outstretched, 

 with head up and one fore paw extended lei- 

 surely upon the log, he looks like a young lion. 



Often they climb up and scamper over the 

 roof of my cabin; but most of their time on the 

 roof is spent in dressing their fur or enjoying 

 long, warm sun baths. Frequently they mount 

 the roof early in the morning, even before sun- 

 rise. I am sometimes awakened at early dawn 

 by a chipmunk mob that is having a lively time 

 upon the roof. 



279 



