Mammals Flying Squirrels 
soft material. These squirrels are sociable little 
folk, and several may live in such anest. They 
also make a summer nest in the trees, or notably 
in high grape vines. It is made of finely shredded 
bark with very thick walls, and with a cosy little 
pocket at the center in which to cuddle. 
At the writing of this, a flying squirrel family has 
taken possession of our garret. It is rather exciting 
to reach into a wall-pocket, expecting to get some 
cotton-batting, and have a little creature pop out and 
cling to the rafter above your head, and gaze at you 
with its great, soft eyes, as if asking why it was thus 
disturbed. From my own experience, I should say 
that its fur was the softest and finest that covers any 
animal; it certainly feels softer than any cotton- 
batting. The favorite gathering place for this family 
is over our sleeping porch, and often in the coldest 
weather we hear them hopping around at night, so we 
know they do not really hibernate. 
The young are born in May; in the South there is 
another litter in September. They are bare and 
blind when first born, but the little mother cuddles 
them under her soft ‘“‘wings’”’ and takes excellent care 
of them. 
If taken when young, the flying squirrel is a delight- 
ful pet. Mr. Ingersoll says, “If you do not know 
where a family is living, go about tapping on wood- 
pecker-riddled dead stubs on the edge of a wood, 
until a furry head pops up to investigate, and then 
the capture is very easy, for it cannot be denied that 
this little animal seems to be fearless and confiding, 
largely through lack of wit.”’ 
Dr. Merriam gives an account of one which when 
placed on the table in front of him would come to the 
edge nearest him and whimper to be taken up; when 
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