FLYING SQUIRRELS. 
9 1 
and if such a tree be discovered the creatures may be induced to come forth one 
after another by tapping the stem. With regard to the flying leaps of the 
American flying squirrel, Dr. Merriam observes that “ the ease, grace, and rapidity 
with which it glides from tree to tree inspires the merest passer-by with wonder 
and admiration. Its ordinary mode of progression is by a series of alternate 
climbs and leaps. Upon reaching a tree, the first act is to ascend, for, being 
unable to sail horizontally, it must attain a considerable elevation before venturing 
to leap to the next. Instead of moving off in this way when disturbed, it some¬ 
times runs up into the topmost branches of the nearest tree, and, curling itself 
into a surprisingly small compass, remains motionless until the intruder has taken 
his departure.” 
The earlier writers, Audubon and Bachman also describe very graphically the 
AMERICAN FLYING SQUIRREL Rat. size). 
movements of a colony of these animals they once encountered. “ At times, they 
write, “ one would be seen darting from the topmost branches of a tall oak, and 
with wide extended membranes and outspread tail gliding diagonally through the 
air, till it reached the foot of a tree about fifty yards off, when at the moment we 
expected to see it strike the earth, it suddenly turned upwards and alighted on 
the body of the tree. It would then run to the top and once more precipitate 
itself from the upper branches and sail back again to the tree it had just left. 
Crowds of these little creatures joined in these sportive gambols; there could not 
have been less than two hundred. Scores of them would leave each tree at the 
same moment, seeming to have no other object in view than to indulge a playful 
propensity.” In America the flying squirrels breed early in April. 
The American flying squirrel, if taken sufficiently young, can be readily and 
speedily tamed, and forms a most charming pet. Indeed, it is said that they 
become tame and thoroughly confiding much sooner than any other kind of wild 
