286 DATS OUT OF DOORS. 



season, therefore, when these creatures are out of season 

 concerning not only this one in particular, but others of 

 its kind. My field notes and indoor studies are as fol- 

 lows : 



March 13, 1887, was a delightful day. There was suffi- 

 cient warmth to cause one to forget that winter had still 

 the upper hand. Peewees were abundant, and those 

 about the old draw-bridge over Crosswicks Creek sang 

 suggestively. Frogs croaked hopefully— something like 

 " no more frost ! no more frost ! " was the burden of their 

 unceasing chorus; but I may add, parenthetically, that 

 there was more frost, and for the benefit of those who 

 have expressed a doubt, even snow in April. 



With two enthusiastic " outers " for companions, an 

 exploration of a curious mound in the meadows was under- 

 taken, we three being archaeologists for the nonce. The 

 little hill proved to be Dame Nature's work, and no long 

 resting bones of Lenni Lenapd were brought to light. 

 But we did not come away empty-handed. The first 

 shovelful of dirt removed exposed a hibernating jumping 

 mouse. It was a cold, stiff, globular mass, looking wonder- 

 fully like a huge hairy caterpillar, closely curled. One of 

 my companions wrapped it in his handkerchief, and 

 placed the bundle in the capacious side pocket of his 

 overcoat. From time to time the package was examined, 

 and in less than an hour his mouseship was quite active 

 and required extra precautions to prevent his escape. 

 Some hours later, when placed in fairly comfortable 

 quarters, he showed no disposition to return to a torpid 

 condition. It was evident that anticipating summer had 

 no ill-effects upon the creature's health. 



This mouse lived for several months, and finally be- 

 came quite tame, but never changed its nocturnal to di- 

 urnal habits. 



To-day, November 31, has proved thoroughly delight- 



