io8 
MAMMALIA. 
know there were six screech-owls. The crevices of the house were 
always inhabited by the squirrels. The docility of the one we kept 
as a pet was remarkable ; although he was never lively and playful 
in the day-time, he would permit himself to be handled and spread 
out at the pleasure of any one. We frequently took him from the 
cage, laid him on the table or on one hand, and exposed the exten- 
sion of his skin, smoothed his fur, put him in our pocket or bosom, 
&c., he pretending all the time to be asleep.” * 
SCIUROPTERUS VOLUCELLA HUDSONIUS (Gmelin) Alien. 
Northern Flying Squirrel. 
The Northern Flying Squirrel is a common inhabitant of the 
elevated central area of the Adirondacks and is not particularly rare 
about the outskirts of the region, where I have found both varieties 
nesting in adjoining trees. Although this is much the larger of the 
two, and may also be distinguished by some peculiarities of colora- 
tion, individuals are sometimes met with that are more or less inter- 
mediate ; still, I have yet to see the specimen that cannot at once be 
referred either to the one or the other. 
The Northern Flying Squirrel is a hardier animal than its smaller 
relative, and remains awake and active during the whole of our long 
and severe winters. The mercury may indicate a temperature many 
degrees below zero, or snow may be falling in quantities sufficient to 
obstruct the vision, without seeming in any way to dishearten this 
merry adventurer. The last rays of the departing sun have scarcely 
disappeared from the western horizon before the sombre shades that 
mark the approach of winter night commence to gather about the snow- 
clad forest. Whether bright stars sparkle and shine through a frosty 
atmosphere, or heavy, leaden clouds overhang the scene, makes little 
difference to the Northern Flying Squirrel. He emerges from his 
warm nest, takes a hasty survey of the surroundings lest some wily 
* Quadrupeds of North America, Vol. I, 1846, p. 220. 
