PRAIRIE MARMOT OR DOG. 247 



times live twenty miles from anj- water, it is supposed 

 that they get moisture enough from the dew on the 

 grass, on which they feed chiefly at night ; so that (as 

 is generally supposed) they sink wells from their under- 

 ground habitations, by which they descend low enough 

 to get their supi^ly. In the winter, they are for 

 several months invisible ; existing, undoubtedly, in a 

 torpid state, as they certainly lay by no food for that 

 season — nor can they procure any. These curious little 

 animals belong to almost every latitude in the vast 

 plains or prairie in North America." 



This Marmot, according to Elliott, is also found in 

 Alaska, but few skins are imported. It would dye well, 

 and would be serviceable as a low-priced fur if it were 

 not for the cost of trapping. The fur, or rather hair, 

 is of a harsh character, and of a darkish grey colour. 

 The Prairie Dog breeds well in captivity in this country. 

 It is about 1 foot in length. 



It is very difficult to secure the body of the Prairie 

 Dog when shot, as it disappears so quickly into its 

 burrows. Like the Hamster and Marmot, it is constantly 

 erecting itself and sitting on its hind feet. 



The Prairie Dog is found in most of the Central States 

 of America, such as Texas, etc. 



BEAVEK. 



Castor canadensis. 



French : Castor. German : Biber. 



The well-known Beaver, the largest Eodent in exist- 

 ence, furnishes one of the most important furs in the 

 world. In the old days of the fur trade, its pelt was the 



