96 Quadrupeds. 
appears to sail or fly from one place to another. Where 
numbers of them are seen at a time leaping, they appear 
like leaves blown off by the wind. There are many 
other kinds of Squirrels in various parts of the world ; 
most of the Flying Squirrels are found in the eastern 
islands. 
THE DORMOUSE, OK SLEEPER 
(Myoxus aveUanarius.) 
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 furnish them; and generally lay up a store of 
food, consisting of nuts, beans, and acorns ; and on the 
approach of cold weather roll themselves in balls, their 
tail curled up over their head between the ears, and in 
a state of apparent 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 breeding 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 quickly revived by the application of gentle 
heat, such as that of the hands. If a torpid Dormouse, 
however, be placed before a large fire, the sudden 
change will kill it. 
