SCIURIDJE 



455 



sitting at the entrance to its burrow, which is generally beneath a 

 rhubarb plant. 



The following account of the habits of the Alpine Marmot is 

 given by Professor Blasius : " Marmots 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 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, the loud piercing whistle so well known to travellers 



Pig. 201. — Alpine Marmot (Arctomys marmotta). After Brehm. 



in the Alps, they all instantly take to flight and hide themselves in 

 holes and crannies among the rocks, often not reappearing at the 

 entrance of their hiding-places until several hours have elapsed, and 

 then frequently standing motionless on the look-out for a still longer 

 period. Their food consists of the roots and leaves of various 

 Alpine plants, which, like squirrels, they lift to their mouths with 

 their fore paws. For their winter quarters they make a large 

 round burrow, with but one entrance, and ending in a sleeping-place 

 thickly lined with hay. Here often from ten to fifteen Marmots 

 pass the winter, all lying closely packed together fast asleep until 

 the spring."' 



Cynomys. 1 — Size and form intermediate between Arctomys and 

 Spermophilus. Ears and tail short. Cheek-pouches shallow. Fore 

 1 Kafinesque, Amer. Monthly Mag. vol. ii. p. 45 (1817). 



