A little book for
Observation Notes
divided off into spaces, each space having a heading, as in Fig. 619, will be of great value in identifying the animals,
Fig. 619. birds, and insects you may meet, and in keeping such records, your interest will deepen and your love for Nature and all her children greatly increase.
Carry the book with you, and make the notes on the spot. Do not wait until you reach home, depending upon your memory; it may sometimes play you false. Write nothing under the heading of “Identification” until you are quite sure you recognize the creature you are studying; for this one entry it will be best to wait until you can consult a reliable book on the subject, and then carefully compare your notes with what the naturalist gives as facts.
If your stroll leads you through the woods listen for the chatter of
The Squirrel
This saucy rodent belongs to a large family, with many branches and ramifications, and squirrels of some kind are to be found in almost any wooded spot.
The scolding remonstrance to your invasion of his domain will probably reach you before you catch a glimpse of him; but sit down and wait quietly, Mr. Squirrel will soon appear, and very likely his little wife will follow him. Cautious, alert, yet really unafraid, they will approach nearer and nearer, until they are quite close enough for you to mark their peculiarities and decide to which branch of their family they belong. You may even pass the compliments of the day with your little host if you speak gently and softly. They are not timid animals, and will quickly make friends with anyone who treats them kindly. In Daytona, Fla., where they are absolutely undisturbed, the squirrels are very numerous, filling the great moss-laden trees, scampering over the lawns and fences and even eating from the hands of those who will regularly feed them, all the while living in entire freedom, without restraint of any kind.