els keep within their dark
tree-caves, the solitude of the forest seems redoubled. But even during
frost and snow, when the weather is fine and the sun shining brightly, a
few will be seen venturing forth, as if to take an airing.

A great many species exist in the forests of North America; sometimes
only one, and sometimes several, occupy the same district. They are of
different colours and sizes--some as small as the common squirrel of
England, while several species are three or four times as large. Some
are grey, others brown grey, several species of a fox red, and those
esteemed the most beautiful are of a uniform jet black. Several new
species have lately been found in the forests of Oregon and California.

Their habits are all nearly alike; but to one species of Grey Squirrel
belongs a habit as distinct as it is singular. This is their habit of
collecting together in immense flocks of many thousands, and migrating
over vast tracts of country, crossing broad rapid rivers, and staying at
no obstacle. The object of this migration is not known, only that it
appears to be the result of some impulse--such as excites to a similar
movement the springboks of South Africa, the buffaloes of North America,
and the passenger pigeons.

In Europe the squirrel is represented by the Common Squirrel of our own
woods, and which is found throughout the whole of Northern Europe and
Asia, wherever there are trees. Although of a reddish colour in
England, as well as in France, it assumes different hues, according to
the different countries it inhabits; and in the more northern latitudes
it is quite grey. Another European species, distinct from the English
squirrel, is a denizen of the Pyrenees and the Alps of Dauphine.

The Palm Squirrel is a beautiful species belonging to the tropical parts
of Africa and India, and dwelling principally upon the palm trees--as
its name imports.

Another, known as the Barbary Squirrel, belongs to North Africa, and is
also a dweller upon palm trees.

The largest, and perhaps the most richly-coated of the tribe, is the
Malabar Squirrel of India, which is as large as a domestic cat. It also
haunts among palm trees, and is fond of the milk of the cocoa-nut,
either in a liquid or solid state.

There are squirrels also in Eastern Africa. India has several species,
and the great islands of Madagascar, Ceylon, Java, Borneo, Sumatra,
etcetera, have each one or more species of large and beautiful