SQUIRREL TRIBE. 85 
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SQUIRREL TRIBE. 
The squirrels are for tile most part light, nim- 
ble, and elegant animals ; climbing trees with the 
Utmost agility, and springing with astonishing 
security from one branch to another. Some of 
them are provided with hairy membranes, extend- 
ing from the fore to the hind legs ; which, when 
gpread out, by rendering them more buoyant, 
enable them to leap considerable distances from 
tree to tree. Some of the species form their nests, 
and live almost entirely in the trees ; and others 
burrow under the ground. None of them arc 
carnivorous. Many of the squirrels may, with 
Care, be rendered docile ; but when they are 
in the least irritated, they attempt to bite. In 
confinement they are generally very frolicsome. 
When they are on the ground, they advance by 
leaps ; and in eating they sit erect, and hold the 
fond in their fore paws. 
They have two front teeth in each jaw ; the 
upper ones wedge-shaped, and the lower sharp ; 
five grinders on each side of the upper jaw, and 
four on each side of the under one. They have 
also collar bones in the skeleton ; and in most 
Of the species, the tail spreads towards each side. 
Common squirrel. 
This elegant little animal is equally admired for 
the neatness of its figure, and the activity and 
liveliness of its disposition. Though naturally 
wild and timid, it is soon reconciled to confine- 
ment, and easily taught to receive with freedom 
