80 A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE DORMOUSE, OR SLEEPER. (Myoxisglis.) 
THESE animals build their nests either in the hollow parts 
of trees, or near the bottom of thick shrubs, and line them 
most industriously with moss, soft lichens, and dead 
leaves. Conscious of the length of time they have to 
pass in their solitary cells, Dormice are very particular in 
the choice of the materials they employ to build and fur- 
nish them; and generally lay up a store of food, consisting 
of nuts, beans, and acorns: and on the approach of cold 
weather, they roll themselves in balls, their tail curled 
up over their head between the ears, and in a state of ap- 
parent lethargy, pass the greatest part of the winter, till 
the warmth of the sun, pervading the whole atmosphere, 
kindles their congealed blood, and calls them back again 
to the enjoyment of life. Except in the time of breed- 
ing and bringing up its young, the Dormouse is generally 
found alone in its cell. This animal is remarkable for the 
very small degree of heat its body possesses during its 
torpid state, when it appears actually frozen with the cold, 
and it may be tossed or rolled about without being roused, 
though it may be instantly revived by the application of 
gentle heat, such as that of the hands. If a torpid Dor- 
mouse, however, be placed before a large fire the sudden 
change will kill it. 
The American Dormouse, or Ground Squirrel, is a very 
beautiful animal striped down the back, and resembling 
the squirrel in its habits, except that instead of living in 
trees, it burrows in the ground. 
