TAMIAS STRIATUS. 
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squirrels, a group that is largely represented in our western States 
and Territories. The Chipmunk establishes his head-quarters in 
some log or stump, or in a hole excavated by himself in the earth, 
generally among the roots of a tree. He is partial to brush-heaps, 
wood-piles, stone walls, rail fences, accumulations of old rubbish, and 
other places that afford him a pretty certain escape, and at the 
same time enable him to see what is transpiring outside. For, 
though by no means wary, he delights in these loosely sheltered 
hiding-places where he can whisk in and out at will, peep unobserv- 
ed at passers-by, and dart back when prudence demands. If sud- 
denly surprised he utters a sharp chip -per ' , r, r, r, and makes a 
quick dash for his retreat, which is no sooner reached than, simul- 
taneously with the disappearance of his tail, out pops his head, 
his keen dark eyes gazing intently at the- source of alarm. If not 
pursued farther he is very apt to advance toward the supposed 
enemy, betraying his excitement by a series of nervous starts and 
precipitous retreats, till finally, making a bold rush, he dashes by 
the object of his dread and in another instant is peering out from 
a hole beneath the roots of a neiodiborincr tree. 
o o 
Though a very inquisitive creature, this habit does not seem to 
be attributable to curiosity alone, but rather to the same reckless 
foolhardiness that prompts the small boy to cross and recross the 
road in front of a swiftly advancing carriage or locomotive. 
With us the Chipmunk is not ordinarily given to climbing trees. 
But when at play he often runs part way up the trunks, and when 
pursued by man or dog and unable to reach his hole, he does not 
hesitate to take refuge in the topmost branches. Still, he is ill at 
ease there, apparently becoming giddy on attaining a little height, 
and often commences the descent while his pursuers are yet watch- 
ing him from the ground beneath. This unfortunate habit has cost 
many a Chipmunk his life, and gave origin, in my younger days, 
to an effective method of hunting them. With the aid of a small 
dog the poor animal was readily “ treed,” and the dog soon learned 
