MAMMALIA. 
126 
tree, yet several often remained and would allow a near approach 
without manifesting alarm. They were extremely fond of music (in 
the most comprehensive sense of the term), and it affected them in a 
peculiar manner. Some were not only fascinated, but actually spell- 
bound, by the music-box or guitar. And one particularly weak- 
minded individual was so unrefined in his taste that if I advanced 
slowly, whistling “Just before the Battle , Mother',' in as pathetic a 
tone as I could muster for the occasion, he would permit me even to 
stroke his back, sometimes expressing his pleasure by making a low 
purring sound. This was a Gray, and I several times approached and 
stroked him as above described. I once succeeded in getting near 
enough to a Black to touch him, whereupon he instantly came to his 
senses and fled. When listening to music they all acted in very 
much the same way. They always sat bolt upright, inclining a little 
forward (and it eating a nut were sure to drop it), letting the fore- 
paws hang listlessly over the breast, and, turning the head to one side 
in a bewildered sort of a way, assumed a most idiotic expression. 
Those who have observed the habits of this species in summer 
must have noticed their propensity for burying nuts just beneath the 
surface, in various parts of the woods. They do not, so far as I am 
aware, make a great accumulation in any one place, but dig a 
thousand little holes, plant a nut or two in each, scrape a few leaves 
over the spot and hurry off, as if afraid some one would discover the 
treasure. In winter this habit is almost equally marked, and the first 
thing a Squirrel thinks of after his hunger is satisfied is to secrete a 
portion of the toocl remaining at his disposal. In accomplishing this 
he tunnels into the snow in various directions, hiding some of the 
surplus provision in each excavation. Many persons who have 
observed this habit in summer regard it as an idle pastime, and ques- 
tion if the Squirrel ever finds the nuts again, knowing that he could 
never remember the exact positions of so many. But those who 
have kept tame Squirrels must have been struck with the remarkable 
certainty and quickness with which they detect the whereabouts of 
