Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/225

Rh My example is very playful and inquisitive; as, however, it endeavours to show goodwill by inflicting friendly bites, advances are not encouraged, since it hurts to have a piece taken out of one's finger, even if only in fun. These animals will play with a bit of paper, dragging it through the wires and tearing it into bits. Everything is seized in the mouth rather than pounced on with the paws. In taking food, the Grison first sniffs at it, then suddenly grips it with its teeth and squats down to feed, holding it between the paws. During the daytime my specimen lies concealed in its sleeping box, thrusting out its inquisitive head on any noise being made, and ready on the slightest encouragement to run up to the wires,—absolute fearlessness seems to be part of its character. Although the Grison makes an interesting and novel pet, it is not one to be handled carelessly. Should any reader of the 'Zoologist' ever possess one of these rare Mustelines, he may feed it on raw meat and fowls' heads like the preceding animals.

Sciurus sp.? (Black Squirrel).—This active little creature is not only pleasing by reason of its vivacity, but is also handsome in appearance, being blackish brown above and white below; the ear-tufts and tail are sable and very fine. These animals, when recently captured, are nervous and timid, growling if disturbed, and even rushing at the hand of an intruder. They will also bite sharply if incautiously handled. Black Squirrels utter a curious noise, apparently indicating pleasure, when gambolling about on the branches with which their cage should always be provided. Like most rodents, they are very destructive to woodwork, which should be protected by sheet iron. They will eat apples, bread, and dry food, such as Indian corn.

Cynomys ludovicianus (Prairie Dog).—Perhaps the best way of keeping Prairie Dogs is to place them in a paved enclosure, the stone floor of which will resist all attempts at escape. A quantity of suitable earth may then be heaped up on the impenetrable flooring, and thus afford the animals an opportunity of constructing their own burrows, and leading a semi-natural