128 THE BLACK SQUIRREL.

make their nests in hollow trees, with
moss, straw, wool, and other articles, and
feed on maize, pine-cones, acorns, and
nuts of all kinds. They scratch holes in
the ground, and there secure a large stock
of provisions for winter. These hoards
are often destroyed by the hogs. When
these holes are covered with snow for any
length of time, the Squirrels sometimes
perish for want of food. They are not
easily shot, as they nimbly change their
places when they see the gun levelled.