570 



Life-histories of Northern Animals 



hind-leg. It was not vicious, and when taken out and put on 

 the ground it made but Httle effort to escape, either by digging 

 or by running. It refused water, but ate grass readily. Its 

 fur showed the usual two or three cracks across the back. 

 Its movements were rather slow. 



When walking its fore-feet rested on the outer edge with 

 the claws turned inward, in the manner of the great ant-eater. 



July 30, 1892. In the evening I noticed that the Pocket- 

 gophers begin work at 6 p. m., that is, as soon as the heat of the 



Utvf H'iti 



urj&tt 



C-&(Ury ifcrv/ifiy indid. 



Tn\n Jc/(Y. tf Iff if ^f 



Fig. 165 — Burrow of T. tnlpoides; about 30 feet are shown; it was continued 

 at least 50 feet farther, with many mounds. 



day is over. My second captive specimen is apparently 

 thriving in its box. 



August I, 1892. This morning, after four days captivity, 

 the Pocket-gopher died. The labyrinth in which I caught it, 

 and which I had partly opened, showed fresh hills to-day. I 

 therefore dug open about 20 feet more, but discovered neither 

 nest nor another occupant. The captive may have been pre- 

 paring for a family, for it gathered into one corner all available 

 material for making a bed. 



