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EARLY SPRING IN MASSACHUSETTS.

feet, or it advanced about two feet for every foot of descent. After the various attempts in the house I was not prepared for this exhibition. It did not fall heavily as in the house, but struck the ground quietly enough, and I cannot believe that the mere extension of the skin enabled it to skim so far. It must be still further aided by its organization. Perhaps it fills itself with air first. . . . . Kicking over the hemlock stump, which was a mere shell with holes below, and a poor refuge, I was surprised to find a little nest at the bottom, open above just like a bird's nest, a mere bed. It was composed of leaves, shreds of bark, and dead pine needles. As I remember, this squirrel was not more than an inch and a half broad when at rest, but when skimming through the air I should say it was four inches broad. This is the impression I now have. Captain J. Smith says it is reported to fly thirty or forty yards. One Gideon B. Smith, M. D., of Baltimore, who has had much to do with these squirrels, speaks of their curving upward at the end of their flight to alight on a tree trunk, and of their "flying" into his windows. In order to perform all these flights, to strike a tree at such a distance, etc., etc., it is evident it must be able to steer. I should say that mine steered like a hawk, that moves without flapping its wings, never being able,