FOX SQUIRREL. 
135 
noticed in any other. The Fox Squirrel, instead of preferring rich low 
lands, thickly clothed with timber, as is the case with the Carolina Grey 
Squirrel, is seldom seen in such situations ; but prefers elevated pine 
ridges, where the trees are not crowded near each other, and where there 
is an occasional oak and hickory interspersed. It is also frequently found in 
the vicinity of rich valleys, to which it resorts for nuts, acorns and chinque- 
pins, {castanea pwnila,) which such soils produce. In some aged and par- 
tially decayed oak, this Squirrel finds a safe retreat for itself and mate ; a 
hollow tree of any kind is sufficient for its purpose if Nature has prepared 
a hole, it is occupied, if otherwise, the animal finds no difficulty in gnaw- 
ing one or several, for its accommodation. The tree selected is in all 
cases hollow, and the Squirrel only gnaws through the outer shell in order 
to find a residence, which requires but little labour and skill to render it 
secure and comfortable. At other times, it takes possession of the deserted 
hole of the ivory-billed woodpecker, {Picus principalis).) The summer duck 
{Anas sponsa) too, is frequently a competitor for the same residence ; 
contests for possession occasionally take place between these three species, 
and we have generally observed, that the tenant that has already deposited 
its eggs or young in such situations is seldom ejected. The male and 
female summer duck unite in chasing and beating with their wings any 
Squirrel that may approach their nests, nor are they idle with their bills 
and tongues, but continue biting, hissing and clapping their wings until 
the intruder is expelled. On the other hand, when the Squirrel has its 
young in the hole of a tree, and is intruded on, either by a woodpecker or 
a summer duck, it immediately rushes to its hole, and after having entered 
remains at the mouth of it, occasionally protruding its head, and with a 
low angry bark keeps possession, until the intruder, weary of the contest, 
leaves it unmolested. Thus Nature imparts to each species additional 
spirit and vigour in defence of its young ; whilst at the same time, the in- 
truder on the possessions of others, as if conscious of the injustice of his 
acts, evinces a degree of pusillanimity and cowardice. 
In the vicinity of the permanent residence of the Fox Squirrel, several 
nests, composed of sticks, leaves and mosses, are usually seen on the pine 
trees. These are seldom placed on the summits, but in the forks, and 
more frequently where several branches unite and afford a secure basis 
for them. These nests may be called their summer home, for they seem 
to be occupied only in fine weather, and are deserted during wintry and 
stormy seasons. 
In December and January, the season of sexual intercourse, the male 
chases the female for hours together on the same tree, running up one side 
and descending on the other, making at the same time a low gufteral noise. 
