Mar. 1899. MAMMALS OF THE OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS ELLIOT. 249 



as twenty -five pounds. In summer the color is ochraceous 

 yellow, varying in shades among individuals. In winter this 

 changes to a dark, bluish - grey. The color of the legs and 

 feet varies among individuals, from an almost pure black, with 

 some grey hairs intermingled, through the different shades of 

 chestnut to a rith brown. The animals appear to shed their 

 coat very irregularly, and specimens are met with on the same 

 day representing very different stages of pelage. Some are 

 all ochraceous, others are half ochraceous, (usually the upper 

 part of the body), and half grey, while again others are in 

 various stages of dilapidation, and present a ragged coat of 

 grey and yellow, diversified with so many hues and patches, 

 that it may fairly be supposed to represent the celebrated coat 

 of ancient times stated to have been worn by Joseph. It is 

 difficult to procure an example properly arrayed in a dress of 

 one color. This species makes its burrows among the rocks, 

 and forms regular paths from the entrance of one burrow to 

 that of the others, so if an individual is surprised away from 

 home, he has no difficulty in taking refuge in an abode of some 

 relative. It is a very powerful animal, and if caught in a trap 

 can walk away easily on three legs, carrying the trap with 

 it. If shot in the vicinity of the burrow, this marmot pos- 

 sesses all the skill and agility exhibited by the prairie dog in 

 reaching the entrance and disappearing underground. And even 

 if, when attached to a trap, they find themselves just beyond the 

 opening, and unable to drag their load in with them, so firmly 

 can they hold to the earth with their forelegs, that it is only 

 with the greatest difficulty that they can be drawn out. 

 Eight specimens : Happy Lake, 7; Boulder Lake, i. 



This figure represents lower view of the skull, natural size. 



