2 2 BULLETIN OF THE LABORATORIES 



In suitable localities one may trace the progressive extension of 

 the burrow by the small hillocks of earth thrown up, often extending 

 in an irregular line for many rods in a meadow. The digging is chiefly 

 confined to the early summer and autumn, or after a long rain. Dry 

 earth is difficult to manipulate and during drought the favorite food 

 of the gopher is not to be secured. The hillocks resemble those 

 of a mole but are much larger The burrows are of two sorts, per- 

 manent run-ways and explorative or temporary burrows. The lat- 

 ter are near the surface and are closed off from the permanent burrow 

 when completed. When such a burrow is made in a potato field it 

 can be traced with the utmost regularity from hill to hill and the tubers 

 are systematically removed and stored in large deep cellars. The 

 amount which one family will carry off in a few days is all but incred- 

 ible. The natural food consists of grass roots, especially the tender 

 shoots of the red clover, and like plants. A curious provision against 

 winter needs was frequently observed. The main run-way was pro- 

 vided with blind alleys at intervals, each of which was somewhat ex- 

 panded at the end. Here a store of grass roots is accummulated in 

 quantities varying from a pint to nearly half a peck. The amount 

 seems to be intentionally limited so that the slight heating shall stimu- 

 late the roots to fresh growth, thus providing fresh supplies for the 

 winter. Larger chambers are constructed for the tubers of Helian- 

 thus, etc. 



It is probable that the animal does not drink. Current stories as 

 to the digging of subterranean wells and the like being, so far as we 

 could learn, fabrications. There is no evidence of hibernation though 

 in the nature of the case it cannot be disproven. The female appears 

 to perform most of the work of digging. 



The gophers may be trapped by one familiar with their habits. 

 When a fresh mound is found this should be opened so that direct 

 day light falls into the burrow. Then a second opening is made along 

 the trend of the passage about eighteen inches from the first. The 

 opening is carried a few inches below the level of the run-way and in 

 it a small steel trap is placed. The trap is carefully covered with light 

 earth to the level with the run way and the light completely excluded 

 from the second opening. The success of the plan depends upon the 

 dislike of the gopher for light. He at once brings a fresh supply of 

 earth to stop up the opening and being blinded by the light does not 



