ries of American Birds_, p. 275.

The abodes of Squirrels, though exhibiting more art, are constructions
of the same nature; that is to say, they are formed of interlaced
sticks. This animal builds its home to shelter itself there in the bad
season, to pass the night in it, and to rear its young. Very agile,
and not afraid of climbing, it places its domicile near the tops of
our highest forest trees. Rather capricious also, and desiring change
of residence from time to time, it builds several of them; at least
three or four, sometimes more. The materials which it needs are
collected on the earth among fallen dead branches, or are torn away
from the old abandoned nest of a crow or some other bird. The Squirrel
firsts builds a rather hollow floor by intermingling the fragments of
wood which it has brought. In this state its dwelling resembles a
magpie's nest. But the fastidious little animal wishes to be better
protected and not thus to sleep in the open air. Over this foundation
he raises a conical roof; the sticks which form it are very skilfully
disposed, and so well interlaced that the whole is impenetrable to
rain. The house must still be furnished, and this is done with
oriental luxury; that is to say, the entire furniture consists of a
carpet, a carpet of very dry moss, which the Squirrel tears from the
trunks of trees, and which it piles up so as to have a soft and warm
couch. An entrance situated at the lower part gives access to the
aerial castle; it is usually directed towards the east. On the
opposite side there is another orifice by which the animal can escape
if an enemy should invade the principal entrance. In ordinary times
also it serves to ventilate the chamber by setting up a slight current
of air. The Squirrel greatly fears storms and rain, and during bad
weather hastens to take refuge in his dwelling. If the wind blows in
the direction of the openings, the little beast at once closes them
with two stoppers of moss, and keeps well shut in as long as the storm
rages.

The great Anthropoid Apes have found nothing better for shelter than
the Squirrels' method. It must, however, be taken into account that
they have much more difficulty in arranging and maintaining much
heavier rooms, and in building up a shelter with larger surface.

The Orang-outang, which lives in the virgin forests of the Sunda
Archipelago, does not feel the need of constructing a roof against the
rain. He is content with a floor est