Amongst the many satisfactions of writing is that of receiving letters of appreciation from unknown friends. From all parts of the United Kingdom, from Canada and from South Africa, animal lovers have written to me expressing their pleasure in reading “How I Tamed the Wild Squirrels,” published in the autumn of 1914 by Messrs. Nelson and Sons, Ltd. The note most frequently struck is that of gratitude for something to think about that had lessened for a while the sadness and depression caused by this terrible war.

That many of these correspondents have asked for more tidings of Fritz and his companions, must be my excuse for putting forth another book about them—again illustrated by Miss Appleton’s clever and delicate pen and brush.

Fritz has now enjoyed the liberty of the garden for four years. His first wife deserted him after the advent—from the country of the Huns—of a fierce little red compatriot, who would brook no rival. She and he have since produced a most charming orange and gray son, who happily shows all his father’s sweet confidence and none of his mother’s truculence.

Young Fritz is now a daily visitor to my bedroom, and, to the joy of our young people, sometimes finds his way to other parts of the house.

Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Housman are rarely seen. Fritz, as the first-comer, has stood his ground and chased them far. Occasionally in bitter weather, or in early spring (when food is most scarce), they will furtively creep back to the old squirrel-house—the door of which is always open—to steal the secreted nuts of the Fritz family. And, as proof of their domestic felicity, comes sometimes a mysterious and beautiful young black-tailed squirrel—a tail orange-tipped, with delicate markings of gray.

Is it possible that these two fiery-red beings have produced a creature so unlike themselves? I think it is. Red-haired human parents sometimes have black-haired children, so why should not squirrels?

In Nature study one is always learning, refuting former deductions and coming to conclusions which, after more patient observation, prove themselves false. Thus I recollect bemoaning my little Fritz’s miserable and mangy appearance in the month of July, after six months of liberty. And I said in “How I Tamed the Wild Squirrels” that I thought these little animals, given proper food and space for exercise, are happier and better off in captivity than when running wild. I have since learned that all male adult squirrels look miserable and mangy in July, because they are then “changing their tails.”

One hears people exclaim: “I have just seen a dear little squirrel. It must be quite a baby, for it had no hair on its tail.” Young squirrels in July, and long before, are very fully furred, and have delightful tails. It is their fathers who are going about thus dilapidated. The mothers change a little later in the year.

But space forbids more on this fascinating subject. My thanks are due to Messrs. Nelson for turning out both books so attractively, and at a price so moderate. And especially are they due to Miss Appleton for her careful and charming illustrations.

Go forth then, little book, with my love to all squirrel lovers young and old.

ELEANOR TYRRELL.

St. Katherine’s, Hook Heath,
Above Woking.