THE OTHER BEASTS 



353 



Closely allied to it are the European marmots of the 

 Alps, which used to be carried about by itinerant Swiss 

 boys. As to them we learn from Professor Blasius that 

 " they live high up in the snowy regions of the mountains, 

 generally preferring exposed cliffs, whence they may have 

 . a clear view of any approaching danger, for which, while 



FIG. 92. 



THE PRAIRIE DOG. 



quietly basking in the sun, or actively running about 

 in search of food, a constant watch is kept. When one 

 of them raises the cry of warning, a loud piercing 

 whistle well known to travellers in the Alps, they all 

 instantly take to flight, and hide themselves in holes and 

 crannies among the rocks, often not re-appearing at 

 the entrance of their hiding-place until several hours 



