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in others, and then perhaps hibernating in a third at some distance from 
this. 
Several species of Spermophilus are remarkable among North American 
Rodentia for their carnivorous habits. Dr. Hay has satisfied himself 
that the Striped Gopher (S. tridecemlineatus) acts as a useful check upon 
the increase of various Arvicolz and other Field Mice, and says that 
Ground Squirrels cannot inhabit the same locality. 
In confinement it kills small Squirrels and Mice presented to it, utter- 
ing a low, snarling growl, and emitting a musteline odor. Like the 
Weasels, it sucks the blood, eats out the brains, and devours the carcass 
as it needs it. The present species is also carnivorous, but less so than 
the Striped Gopher. One kept in confinement by Prof. Baird was decid- 
edly carnivorous, and one observed by Dr. Hoy killed mice put in its 
cage. ; 
This Squirrel inhabits thickets and edges:of timber, banks of ditches, 
and grain-fields. It takes up newly planted corn, as does the Striped 
Gopher and Chipmunk. | 
It is not sufficiently carnivorous, however, to warrant its protection 
when the accounts of benefits and injuries are balanced. The Striped 
Gopher destroys so many Meadow Mice that it is worthy of protection 
_ rather than destruction. 
The following account of a colony of this species is transcribed from 
Mr. Kennicott’s article already cited : | 
“In the early part of summer twenty or thirty of these animals suddenly made their 
appearance, and burrowed in an o}d embankment within three or four rods of my fath- 
er’s house. They seemed to have lost the shyness exhibited when leading a solitary 
life, and were not alarmed at the near approach of man. They even came about the 
kitchen door to pick up cru:':bs, and disputed with the chickens for their food. Like 
the Striped Spermaphiles, they gtided silently to their burrows when alarmed, uttering, 
as they entered, a remarkably clear whistle twitter, more musical than the voice of any 
other mammal I ever listened to, and as clear as that of a bird. The same note was 
uttered when the animal was much hurt or frightened. They fed upon June grass, 
clover, timothy, and the brvad-leaved plantain. *~ * * A number of young chickens 
disappearing, and the eggs being eaten in several hens’ nests near the burrows of the 
Spermophilés, suspicion rested upon them, probably unjustly, and a war of extermination 
was commenced. Several were shot, while others were killed with clubs, whereupon 
the survivors left in a body, as suddenly as they had come, and were never seen again, 
nor could they be found on any part of the farm.” 
This Gopher is regarded by the farmers of Iowa as far more destructive 
than the Striped Gopher, sometimes destroying acres of newly planted 
corn by eating the seed. The burrows run to the depth of three to four 
feet, and are quite extensive. 
