THE STORY OF THE CHIPMUNK . 
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of acorns, about two quarts of buckwheat, and a small quantity of Indian corn 
and grass seeds. 
Generally the chipmunk keeps to the ground, although it will often run 
some few feet up the trunk of a tree, and when pursued, if its hole be not acces¬ 
sible, will take refuge among the branches. Instances are, however, on record 
where these animals have been observed regularly ascending tall trees in 
search of food; and they seemed perfectly at home among the boughs, although 
they never leaped from branch to’ branch after the manner of the squirrels. 
In regard to its general mode of life, the chipmunk establishes its head- 
THE CHIPMUNK AND ITS HABITS. 
quarters in some log or stump, or in a hole excavated by itself in the earth, 
generally among the roots of a tree. It is partial to brush-heaps, wood piles, 
stone walls, rail fences, accumulations of old rubbish and other places that 
afford a pretty certain escape, and at the same time enable it to see what is 
taking place outside. For, though by no' means wary, it delights in these 
loosely sheltered hiding-places, where it can whisk in and out at will, peep 
unobserved at passers-by, and dart back when prudence demands. If suddenly 
surprised, it utters a shart chip-per, r, r, r, and makes a sudden quick dash 
for its retreat, which is no 1 sooner reached than, simultaneously with the dis- 
