Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1912-02-02

structive rodent can only be carried
on intelligently with such data as a
basis for determination. Actual work
on determination will, in all proba-
bility, follow these Investigations
closely.
The first year of the two years
during which the Investigations has
been running, was spent in studying
the squirrel in its natural environ
ment. Through all the season of its
activity Mr.. Shaw lived much of the
time in the badly infested wheat dis
tricts, endeavoring to secure data
regarding the activities of the ground
squirrel through the changing seas
on. Naturally a great deal of valu-
able information was gathered. but
| it was soon seen that the study could
not be brought to a successful con-
clusion without some means of bring
ing the amin ais Under absolute con
troll 10 do this and at the same
time keep them nder natural con
ditions was the problem.
In rhe United States Department
of Agriculture there has been estab-
lished a fund known as the Adams
Fund, the purpose Of which is to
further original investigation along
the lines of economic problems.
Through the assistance of this fund
it was determ ined to undertake the
problem in earnest and, if possible,
ly it was found that there existed
near the college campus on a bit of
wild original bunch grass land, sew
eral old, largely abandoned squirrel
dens. the remains of colonies which
had existed for years perhaps. just
such as are represented over the Pa
louise country. With considerable
labor these were trenched and fenced
so that the squirrels were liberated
in several enclosures, and were thus
under absolute control. With this
arrangement it was possible to carry
on detailed observations and make
Investigations concerning the results
OF which there could be no question.
Six large adjoining enclosures were
made, one of them 70x90 feet in eX-
tent and the others but little small
Ter.
Connected with these yards small
cabins were erected, partly as places
from which observations could be
made and partly for the housing of
the squirrels requiring more careful
observation, as for instance in the
breeding and alternating seasons. At
present there are several animals
in state of Information in the CON
Meeting cellars. As can be imagined,
such an opportunity for observation
is revealing some very interesting
facts. This is especially so in connec-
ton with the alternating squirrels
in their cold, death-like slum bers.
AS might be expected, the most
interesting season in the squirrel
yards is that following the awaken
ing in the spring. Then with the
warming OF the sun, squirrels are
called from their long winter sleep
TO bask in the warm rays or CLEAN
from the surrounding mounds the
food which suits them best. Some
give themselves to the task of reno
waiting old burrows, while others are
seen diligently gathering nest mater
ial from the dry and withered last
seasons grass. Still others at the
slightest sound of alarm, take upon
themselves the duties of sentinels,
standing erect and mOtionless upon
the highest tip of the tallest m Mound,
the freest and widest bit of bunch
grass land.
The serious work of the enterprise,
however, concerns itself with the use
of the camera and note book and such
other instruments as may record de-
sirable and exact data. With the
rather unique and extensive equip
ment erected at the experiment sta
ton. and the splendid opportunity
for studying under natural condi-
tions. the results of this experiment
promise to be of rather unusual in
terest and value to the wheat raiser,
and it is hoped that something may
be added to life history work among
| thi~ class of mammals.
IDAHO WASHINGTON BOUNDARY