Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-27

More about Squirrels.

A-SA . 10ooN ~ a444 CAS-
Tn the interesting article on Squirrels publish
ed in the Life Illustrated few weeks since,
did not find mention made of one o. two singu-
lar habits of these animals, which have come
under my observation and as l have not found
them noticed in any work on natural history
which have read, will describe them.
The Ground Squirrel was formerly so abund-
ant in this part of the country Northern
Ohio) that it made great havoc in the corn-Gelds,
pulling up the corn, as soon as the blade ap-
peared above ground, in order to get at the
kernel at the root. Various means were tried
by the farmers to rid their fields of these
troublesome creatures. Many were caught in
traps. Arsenic, given on soaked corn, sickened
thousands so that they left off pulling corn
though it is supposed that this poison seldom
kills them. Every old gun was brought to bear
upon them, and thousands were shot.
I was boy then, and performed we'll my
part in destroying them, though not without
some regrets that mans paramount rights
must extinguish theirs" A curious fact which
l learned while watching the corn-felds was,
that the Ground Squirrels twy4 4their dad,
Those that | killed | threw dowp'in the field in
places where their ravages were greatest, hop
ing their survivors would take the hint and keep
away; but l soon lnoticed that the dead bodies
generally disappeared within day or two, and
upon careful observation learned that they were
buried where had thrown them down. A hole
was dug to the depth Of two or three inches,
the body put into it and covered SO neatly that
no trace of the grave was noticeable. l dug up
a body several times, but always found it re-
buried. then threw down the bodies of Red,
Black, and Gray Squirrels, but never found
them inferred. 1t is true that never have
seen the Ground Squirrel at the work of in
terment, but can not reasonably doubt that
they do it.
Of the " deadly feud' existing between the
Black and Gray Squirrels we, in this section,
know nothing, though both kinds are common
here On the contrary, they seem to be on the
best terms with each other-eating nuts on the
same tree, and even living in the same hollow
tree. Boys cut down trees in the spring in or
der to get the young squirrels, which then are
not able to climb, and have been told repeat
edly that they find both Black and Gray Squr-
rels in the same nest.
The Red Squirrels are the implacable enemies
of both black and Gray ones-probably because
of their hght-paOed tricks-for they are moi
noted for the strctest honesty, but appropriate
: to themselves whatever stores of nuts their Rec
neighbors may have laid by for their owr
use.
1t is fact that many males Of both the Blacl
and Gray species are emasculated. but it il
thought by the Red ones. l have killed hun
dreds, and as never found one in which j
seemed to have been effected by violence, hav
come to the conclusion that it is either done b,
their own species while they are in the nest, o
is simply natural occurrence. Neuters ar
noG uncommon Ill ulHercn1 trlpen Ill Ine lnsec
world, and are now and then met with in ia
higher grades of life.
The Black and Gray Squirrels are doubtles
distinct species, but after watching long ant
, carefully their habits, am satisfied that the
cohabit with each other, and may not these sex
less individuals be the natural result of tn
violation of fundamental law Of physiology