126 Fretp Museum or Natura History — Zodroey, Vor. XI. 
branches, which is composed of twigs, leaves and bark; but such nests 
seem to be the exception in this latitude. 
I am satisfied that Red Squirrels pair, at least in Massachusetts, 
where for many years I had somewhat unusual opportunities for ob- 
serving them. The young are born in April and vary in number from 
4 to 6, although in a majority of cases the number is probably 4 or s. 
The harsh chattering notes of this species are well known to those 
who wander in the woods, but it also has several sharp scolding notes, 
which it usually utters when annoyed by something and thinks itself 
unobserved. 
Kennicott says, ‘‘Unlike any other of the true squirrels found here, 
this species sometimes, but not generally, lives in holes in the ground. 
Unlike the others, too, it collects into its hole in autumn an ample 
provision of the good things of squirrel life, wherewith to console and 
sustain itself in the uncomfortable season of frost and snow. It is 
well known that the Chickaree makes large hoards of nuts, acorns and 
seeds. These are deposited in hollow trees, and sometimes under fallen 
logs, and even in holes in the ground. In consequence of his good 
cheer, this squirrel is seen actively scampering about in cold weather, 
when his hungry cousins cannot pluck up courage to leave their warm 
abodes, even in search of food. In the cornfield, his depredations are 
at times a source of much annoyance to the farmer. Besides eating 
at the time with others, this provident species is said to carry off corn 
to its hole for winter use.” (1. c., p. 68.) 
The food of the Red Squirrel is very varied and it is practically 
omnivorous, especially in winter. It is fond of beechnuts and other 
nuts, acorns, berries, fruit, insects, mushrooms, birds’ eggs, young birds, 
and a variety of other things too numerous to mention. 
Specimens examined from IIlinois, Wisconsin and adjoining states: 
Illinois — (O.) Lake Forest, 1; Fox Lake, 1= 2. 
Wisconsin — Beaver Dam, 2; Sayner, 2; Solon Springs, 7; Tomahawk 
Lake, 1; Camp Douglas, 3; Woodruff, 1; Lac Vieux Desert, Vilas 
Co., 3; (M. P. M.) Rhine, Sheboygan Co., 1; Cataline, 15; Maiden 
Rock, 7; Conover, 1; Pembine, 1; Milwaukee Co., 1; Washington 
Island, Door Co., 1; Sheboygan Falls, 1; Golden Lake, Waukesha 
Co., 1; Rochester, Racine Co., 2; Milwaukee, 1; Merton, 1; Jackson- 
port, Door Co., 1; Burnett Co., 1; Ellison Bay, Door Co., 1; Muskego 
Lake, 2; Prairie du Sac, 2; Kelly Brook, Oconto Co., 1; Wauwatosa, 
t; (O. C.) Rochester, Racine Co., 1; Pewaukee, 4; Fisher Lake, 
Iron Co., 13; Langlade Co., 6; Fox Point, Milwaukee Co., 1; Oak 
Creek, Milwaukee Co., 2=88. 
Michigan — Park Siding, 6; Murphy Lake, 4; Dowagiac, 5= 15. 
