THE CALIFORNIA CHIPMUNK 193 



the tail. The home of this animal extends from southern 

 Canada and New York to Georgia and Louisiana, and west- 

 ward to Iowa. 



There are eighteen full species of Chipmunks, several of 

 which are very much alike, distributed throughout nearly 

 the whole of the United States. The greater number are 

 marked by two or more black lines extending along the side, 

 frequently alternating with lines of a yellowish-gray color. 



It is impossible to mention even the majority of these 

 species without risk of confusing the reader, but it is desir- 

 able to note a few important and strongly marked types in- 

 habiting widely separated localities in the United States. 



The California Chipmunk^ is a merry-hearted little elf, 

 particularly pert and beautiful. Its high, sharp-pointed ears 

 and harlequin stripes of white give it a very roguish and 

 saucy look. To judge by the lively actions of this little 

 creature, it seems to regard life as a long play-spell. There 

 are many in the Zoological Park, and in some respects they 

 are the most satisfactory of all our burrowing rodents. Only 

 the severest weather drives them into their burrows, and in 

 the dead of winter, when a thick blanket of snow keeps all 

 other animals of the Burrowing Rodents' Quarters snug under 

 ground, the first hour of clear sunshine will see half a dozen 

 of the California Chipmunks above ground, and sunning them- 

 selves on their logs. Having an abundance of room, they 

 enjoy their life in the Park, and are much interested in visitors 

 who notice them. 



This species could easily and safely be introduced in any 



1 Eu'tarn-i-as spe-ci-o'sus. 



