CHIPPING SQUIRREL — THE WOODCHUCK. 51 



however, can not be deceived by this- complicated arrangement 

 of tunnels, but winds its lithe body through all the deviating 

 passages, and kills every Chipping Squirrel which it finds. One 

 of these bloodthirsty weasels has been known to enter the bur- 

 row of a Chipping Squirrel, and in a short time to leave it, hav- 

 ing in the space of a very few minutes killed six victims, a moth- 

 er and five young, whose lifeless bodies were found in the nurs- 

 ery when the burrow was opened. 



The nest is made of dried leaves of various kinds, and in it the 

 mother and her offspring can rest in security from all ordinary 

 foes. Owing to the complexity of the burrow, no little skill ig 

 required to trace its various windings, and much exertion is 

 needed before they can all be laid bare. 



Within this burrow the Chipping Squirrel lays \tp a wonder- 

 fully large store of food. It is, in fact, a perfect miser in respect 

 of provisions, gathering and secreting much more than it can 

 possibly eatj and never seeming to be satisfied so long as another 

 acorn or nut can ba obtained. The common beaked nut {Corylus- 

 rostrata) is a favorite article of food, and lest the sharp beak 

 should hurt its mouth, the Chipping Squirrel takes care to bite 

 off' the beak before putting the nut into the ample cheek-pouches 

 with which it is furnished. It is able to carry four nuts at a 

 time, three being held in the mouth and. the fourth between the 

 teeth. When thus laden, it presents a most absurd aspect, its 

 cheeks being so puffed out with its treasure, that it reminds the 

 classical observer of Alcmseon in the treasury of Croesus. Un- 

 classical observers may be reminded of a man suffering from a 

 severe attack of mumps. 



The provisions are stored in the lateral galleries, and are of a 

 very mixed nature, so as to afford variety in diet to the animal. 

 In one burrow were discovered two quarts of buckwheat, some, 

 grass seeds, nearly a peck of acorns, some Indian corn, and a quart 

 of the beaked nuts already mentioned. 



The popular names of Chipping Squirrel and Chipmuck are 

 given to this little animal on account of its cry, which sounds like 

 the cljirping of young chickens. It is a quick, lively little crea- 

 ture, ever on the move, and delighting to dart in and out of the 

 dense underwood. 



The Woodchuck {Ardomys monax) is another well-known 

 burrower of America. On account of its whistling cry, it is called 



