The marmots, like the beavers, dwell together, and work in common in the construction of their habitations, where they pass threefourths of their lives. Thither they retire during rain, or on the approach of danger, never going out but in fine weather, and then to no great distance. One of them stands sentinel on a rock, while the others sport upon the grass or cut it for hay. If the sentinel perceives a man, a dog, an eagle, or any object from which danger may be apprehended, he instantly gives the alarm by a loud whistle, and is himself the last that enters the hole. Having a quick eye, he discovers an enemy at a considerable distance. The marmot never does the least injury to any other animal. He flees when pursued, and, when apprehensive of danger, whole families quit their dwellings and wander from hill to hill, though they have in consequence new habitations to construct. But when flight is impossible, they obstinately defend themselves with teeth and claws against the attacks of even men and dogs. The marmots make no provision for their subsistence during the winter, as if aware that they should not need any. On the approach of that season, they close up the two entrances to their habitation with such solidity that it is easier to break up the earth in any other, place. They are then so fat as sometimes to weigh twenty pounds. They remain torpid for seven or eight months, gradually diminishing in bulk, till by the end of winter they become quite meagre. The hunters, who make a business of taking these animals on account both of their flesh and their skins, leave them undisturbed till the weather has become very severe; when they are found asleep in their retreats, rolled up like balls, and covered with hay. When taken young, the marmot is easily VOL. II. domesticated. It will walk on its hind legs, sit upright, and lift food to its mouth with its fore-feet. It will dance with a stick between its paws, and perform various antics to please its master. It has a singular antipathy to dogs: but, though able to bite most cruelly, it attacks no one unless first irritated. THE GRAY SQUIRREL. IN form and manners the gray squirrel very much resembles the common squirrel. It is of about the size of a young rabbit, and, excepting the inside of the limbs, and the under parts of the body, which are white, its colour is an elegant pale gray. This animal is a native of North America and some of the northernmost parts of Europe. The gray squirrels often change their place of abode, so that sometimes during a whole |