96 
STRIPED SQUIRREL. 
they board up the kernels of the stone pine in such 
quantities, that ten or fifteen pounds weight of 
them have been taken out of a single magazine. 
As a Swede was some time ago making' a mill- 
dike, pretty late in autumn., he took for that pur- 
pose the soil of a neighbouring hill, and met by 
chance with a subterraneous walk belonging to 
these squirrels. By tracing it to some distance, he 
discovered a gallery on one side, like a branch 
parting from the main stem. It was nearly two 
feet long- ; and at its extremity was a quantity of 
remarkably plump acorns of the white oak, which 
the careful little animal had stored up against the 
winter. He soon afterwards found another gallery > 
on one side., like the former, but containing a store 
of maize ; a third had hickery nuts ; and the last 
and most secret one contained as many excellent 
chesnuts as would have filled two hats. 
In winter, these squirrels are seldom seen ; as 
during that season they keep within their holes^ 
On a fine clear- day, however, they sometimes come 
out. They frequently dig through into cellars 
where the country people lay up their apples ; 
these they often eat or spoil in such a maimer, that 
few or none of any value are left. In the choice 
of their food they are remarkably nice ; having 
been observed, after filling their pouches with rye, 
to fling it out on meeting with wheat, and to sub- 
stitute for it the superior grain. 
They are not to be tamed without great diffi- 
culty ; and even then it is always dangerous to 
handle them, as they will bite pretty keenly when 
a person is not aware of them. 
They are caught merely on account of their 
skins ; which, though forming but a slight or ordi- 
nary fur, have a very pleasing appearance, when 
properly set off. These are said to be chiefly sold 
to the Chinese. 
