Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-08
sPORTIvE SQUIRRELS.

II has been observed by persons who
study the gray squirrels in Central Park,
New York, that the little rodents have
recently abandoned their vegetarian diet
and become carnivorous. At least, this
is the inference drawn from an investga-
ton of their nests, which are filed with
the half-eaten remains OF birds and fea-
theirs.
The Central Park squirrels, so far as
we have observed, are by no means so nu-
merous or so sociable as those in the
Capitol Square here. While they can Of
ten be seen running in and out among the
shrubbery, they rarely approach closely
to people, and never take food from the
hands OF strangers. In this respect they
are by no means so civilized as the Rich
mond squirrels, which have for years at
tracted the attention Of those who visit
this city. The Dummies supported by the
Commonwealth Of Virginia have for seve-
raj decades had the benefits Of an adj
vanced civilization, and those we see to-
day are the descendants of forefathers
who knew no home save the Capitol
the new crop which appears every year
to be friendly with people as 1t is for
them to climb trees or crack nuts with
their teeth. In fact they look to man
kind as their chief supporters, and unhesi-
tatingly perch themselves on ones Shout
der or set themselves in the laps Of those
who occupy the benches. 1t is no uncom-
mon thing TO see the squirrels in the top
gallery Of the Capitol building, and al
most every nook and Granny of the place
is investigated by the inqusitive little
creatures.
Domestication does not appear to have
materially altered the habits of the ami
mails. Certainly, there are no signs Of
their having become carnivorous, as is
alleged to be the case with the New York
squirrels. The only popularity about the
little quadrupeds Is the strange way in
which they divide themselves into clans
and fight strangers. 1t is a well known
fact, based on the observations of those
who have long studied the squirrels, that
they have the park divided off into seve-
raj sovereignties and allow no intruders
of their own kind 10 trespass on their
premises. The squirrels who congregate
near the Library building vigorously con-
test any intrusion from those who fire.
quent the neighborhood of the Washing
ton monument and so it is with those
that inhabit the part Of the Square near
Ford's Hotel
The white squirrel which was sent 10
the State officials over a year ago fur
nishes a fine illustration OF what civiliza-
ton can do for an untamed animal When
the pink-eyed stranger first arrived he
was so timid that the sight of a human |
being almost threw him into commissions. |
While In his cage his head was badly |
lacerated by efforts to escape from those |
who looked at him. In a few weeks the |
squirrel began TO recognize his benefac- |
tors, and when given his liberty in the |
Square he allowed persons to approach |
within few feet of him. But freedom
brought many hardships. His brethren
for time made his life a misery. though
ultimately the little Albino. by dint of
great pugnacity. fought his way into the
good standing of the southside squirrels.
A few weeks ago he would. under pres
sure OF unusual appetite, too. take food
from the hands OF strangers.