244 RODENTIA. 



The Alpine Marmot (Arctomi/s marmotta) is a well- 

 known variety. 



QUEBEC MARMOT. 



Arctomi/s mouax. 



The Quebec Marmot is called the Weeniisk by the 

 Cree Indians, and also in commerce. By Eichardson it 

 is described under the name of the Woodchuck, and the 

 name of the Whistling Marmot has also been given 

 to it. 



This Marmot is but very slightly smaller than the 

 preceding species, being about a foot in length. The 

 under fur is rather abundant, soft, and of a dark colour, 

 and covered sparingly with long black and white hairs. 

 A few long coarse reddish hairs are scattered over the 

 belly, which is almost bare. The tail is from 3 to 4 

 inches long, and is also sparsely covered with bristly 

 hairs. It produces nine young in a litter. Its food 

 consists of vegetables, and in captivity it feeds on 

 carrots and cabbages, and, like other Marmots, erects 

 itself on its hind legs, and burrows in the ground. 

 Black and drab specimens are met with not infrequently. 



The Quebec Marmot inhabits the Dominion of Canada, 

 especially Fort York district, and is also found in the 

 United States. 



The general colour of the fur is rather similar to that 

 of the Grey Fox, and has a rusty tint. Its fur is of 

 little value, the usual price being 5d. to 7d. a skin. 

 Al)out 400 or 500 skins are imported annually by the 

 Hudson's Bay Company. 



In 1891, 424 skins were sold, and fetched only 2d. 

 each. 



