A NEW SQUIRREL CRIME.
Many people have discovered many crimes committed by the grey squirrel, that alien, as engaging as it is destructive, which takes so kindly (with apologies for the word) to an English environment. A neighbour gives me evidence of sin new to my experience at any rate. A garden in Buckingham- shire (for which county the grey squirrel seems to have a special regard) is peculiarly popular, and populous, with these rats, who come in the first place for the squirrel's legiti- mate food, videlicet nuts. Not one was left for the owner. He bore this loss with equanimity, but a yet unkinder cut prompts hint to rebellion. The grey squirrels have taken a fancy to his peaches ; and as if they knew these were a forbidden fruit they eat them from the unseen side. The peaches show a reddening fruit, but are quite eaten out on the side next the wall. They have become so tame that they frequent not only the peach-houses, but the house itself. Food is not safe, even in kitchen or dining-room. Was ever so omnivorous a pest ? It is peculiarly offensive to my view, because it destroys every bird's nest within its ken ; and its bright-eyed activity makes it a perfect bird's-nester.
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