$2 
of life. Ufually from five to fix- 
teen are found together; fometimes, 
but rarely, two families occupy the 
fame dwelling; and occafionally, 
but very feldom, one has been dif- 
covered alone. If expofed towarmth 
- they awaken. The tame marmots 
do not fleep during winter; but 
on the approach of that feafon, ex- 
cited by inftingt, they collect ma- 
terials towards. conftructing their 
dwellings. The wild marmots oc- 
cupy their winter habitation in Oc- 
tober, and quit it towards the latter 
end of March or the beginning of 
April. In removing the cement 
which clofes the opening, they do 
not pufh it outwards, but draw it 
ANNUAL REGISTER, 
(1793. 
inwards, and probably convey’ the — 
materials, which would block up the 
principal paflage, into the {mall ca- — 
vity. 
_ They copulate foon after: coming 
out: in June or July young ones — 
have been obferved, about the fize q 
of rats. R 
It is probable they do not eat 
during their torpid fate 5 for the | 
fame quantity of hay is obferved 
both in {pring and autumn in their 
‘winter habitations, and thofe which — 
have been dug out in that feafon on 
thin and perfectly empty. . 
The flefh of the marmot is eat. 
able, and its fkin is ufed for furs, 
USEFUL 
