It was a large pine tree, and
took them some time. Just as the tree was ready to fall, and was wavering
to and fro, the squirrel, that had kept on the topmost bough, sprang
nimbly to the next tree, and then to another, and by the time the great
pine had reached the ground, the squirrel was far away in his nest among
his little ones, safe from hunters, guns, and dogs."
"The black squirrel must have wondered, I think, nurse, why so many men
and dogs tried to kill such a little creature as he was. Do the black
squirrels sleep in the winter as well as the flying squirrels and
chitmunks?"
"No, Lady Mary; I have often seen them on bright days chasing each other
over logs and brush-heaps, and running gaily up the pine trees. They are
easily seen from the contrast which their jetty black coats make with the
sparkling white snow. These creatures feed a good deal on the kernels of
the pines and hemlocks; they also eat the buds of some trees. They lay up
great stores of nuts and grain for winter use. The flying squirrels sleep
much, and in the cold season lie heaped upon each other, for the sake of
warmth. As many as seven or eight may be found in one nest asleep. They
sometimes awaken, if there come a succession of warm days, as in the
January thaw; for I must tell you that in this country we generally have
rain and mild weather for a few days in the beginning of January, when the
snow nearly disappears from the ground.
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