VEKTEBRATA. 
veloped, and the fur is softer and fuller. In July, and not till then, the summer change is per- 
fect. This species is found generally in Europe and the north of Asia. 
"This animal," says Pennant, "is remarkably neat, lively, active, and provident; never leaves 
its food to chance, but secures in some hollow tree a magazine of nuts for winter provision. In 
the summer it feeds on the buds and young shoots, and is particularly fond of those of the fir and 
pine, and also of the 3''oung cones. It makes its nest of the moss or dry leaves, between the fork 
of two branches, and brings four or five young at a time. Squirrels have their pairing time early 
in the spring, when it is very diverting to see the female feigning an escape from the pursuit of 
two or three males, and to observe the various proofs they give of their agility, which is then ex- 
erted in full force." This species is a great favorite in a state of domesticity, maintaining all its 
pleasing airs and graces, and becoming quite tame and familiar. It is a common pet in cages, 
and has been known to be so attached to its master as to follow him through the fields, and even 
the streets of a town. 
The Little Gray Squirrel, of Northern Europe, has been supposed by many naturalists to 
be a mere variety of the preceding. Its fur is exceedingly soft and light, and is of a beautiful 
gray, tinged with fawn. As if conscious of this beauty, it spends much time in dressing its far. 
It lives on nuts, and has a sharp cry, which often betrays it to the hunter. 
The Alpine Squirrel, S. Alpinus^ is found in the Alps and Pyrenees; it is of a deep brown, 
above spotted with light fawn; below it is a pure white. In size and habits it resembles the 
common squirrel. 
The Caucasian Squirrel, S. Caucasicits, is found in the Caucasian Mountains and in Asia 
Minor. Its color is a grayish-brown above, and yellowish-brown below. 
The Madagascar Squirrel, S. Madagascarensis^ is nearly twice the size of the European squir- 
rel; it is nearly black above, and yellowish-white beneath. The tail is the length of the body. 
THE BARBAEY SQUIRREL. 
The Barbary Squirrel, S. Getulus, is about the size of the European squirrel, being nearly 
ten inches in length. It is grayish -brown, with four white longitudinal bands along the back. It 
inhabits Northern Africa, and lives on the palm-trees. The S. cepapi is yellow above, marked with 
blackish-brown; below it is yellowish-white ; length fifteen inches, with the tail. It is found in 
Southern Africa. There are also in Africa the 8. AbT/ssinicus and S. annulatus, which are 
thought by Ehrenberg to diff'er from the common squirrels, and to constitute a distinct genus, to 
which he gives the name of Xerus. 
