COMMON WEES EL. 
423 
deal of finesse and cunning in order to compass 
its ends, and seems to disobey certain prohibi- 
tions merely through frolic. During all its ac- 
tions it seems solicitous to divert and to be no- 
ticed; looking, at every jump, and at every turn, in 
order to see whether you observe it or no : and if 
no notice be taken of its gambols, it ceases them 
immediately, and betakes itself to sleep; and 
even when most asleep, if you wake it, it instantly 
resumes its gaiety, and frolics about in as sprightly 
a manner as before. It never shews any ill-hu- 
mour, unless when confined, or teized too much, 
in which case it expresses its displeasure by a sort 
of murmur, very different from that Avhich it ut- 
ters when pleased. In the m/idst of twenty people 
this little animal distinguishes my voice, seeks 
me out, and springs over every body to come at 
me. His play with me is the most lively and ca- 
ressing ; with his two little paws he pats me on the 
chin with an air and a manner expressive of de- 
light: this, and a thousand other preferences, 
shew that his attachment to me is real. When 
he sees me dressed for going out^ he will not leave 
me, and it is not without some trouble that I can 
disengage myself from him; he then hides him- 
self behind a cabinet near the door, and jumps 
upon me^ as I pass, with so much celerity that I 
frequently can scarce see him. 
" He seems to resemble a squirrel in vivacity, 
agility, voice, and manner of murmuring. Dur- 
ing the summer, he squeaks and runs about all 
night long; but, since the commencement of the 
