106 



The Natwralist in Siluria. 



habits or life-hisfcory, which will be found in zoological 

 works and encyclopaedias. All know that it makes its 

 nest in a forking branch, usually high up in the tree, 

 building it very much after the manner of birds, the 

 material being twigs deftly interwoven, lined with moss 

 and leaves. In this it brings forth its young, often as 

 many as five in a litter. These for months follow the 

 mother about, as chickens do the hen that has hatched 



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SQDIBBEL. 



them. The little kittens keep company with their parents 

 all through the winter, and until the warmer weather of 

 spring causes a break-up of the family circle, the separation- 

 being due to that instinct which leads to the perpetuation 

 of their species. The Squirrel, classed among hyberna- 

 ting animals, is not wholly so. On a warm winter day it 

 wakes up, and strays about in search of something to 



