In some places people call this little animal "the Sleeper," because
he lies in a torpid state through the long winter and spring, until
the weather becomes quite warm. He builds his nest in an old hollow
tree, or beneath the bushes, and during the summer lays up a great
quantity of nuts or acorns for his winter provender. Dormice rarely
come out, except at night, passing the day in a solitary manner in
their cells, which they manage to make very comfortable by linings of
moss. Dormice are about the size of the common mice, only more bulky,
and of a reddish brown colour.
The American Dormouse is a more beautiful animal, striped down the
back, and much resembling the squirrel in his habits.
[Illustration]