MAMMALIA — MARMOT. 247 



THE MARYLAND MARMOT, OR WOOD CHUCK.* 

 This animal is common in all the temperate parts of America. It does 

 great injury to the farmers, as the quantity of herbage it consumes is really 

 surprising. It burrows in the ground on the sides of hills, and these extend 

 to great distances under ground, and terminate in various chambers. Here 

 the marmot makes himself a comfortable bed of dry leaves, grass, and any 

 soft rubbish, where he sleeps from the close of day, till the next morning is 

 far advanced. 



The Maryland marmot eats with great greediness, and in large quanti- 

 ties. It is fond of cabbage, lettuce, and other garden vegetables. When in 

 captivity, it is exceedingly fond of bread and milk. 



At the commencement of cold weather, the marmot goes into winter 

 quarters, blocks up the door within, and remains torpid till the warm sea- 

 son. It is about the size of a rabbit, and of a dark brown color. 



PARRY'S MARMOT. 2 



This animal has a blunt snout, and short ears, with a long tail tipped 

 with black. The body is marbled on the upper part with confluent black 

 and white spots, and ferruginous beneath. It is one foot in length, and 

 inhabits Canada. 



1 Ardomys monax, Lin. * Arctomys Parr-yi's, Richardson. 



