156 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. XL 



without effecting any apparent change in its lethargic condition; and 

 being desirous to push the experiment as far as in my power, I laid it 

 close to the fire, and having ordered my dog to lie down by it, placed 

 the Woodchuck in the dog's lap. In about half an hour my pet unrolled 

 itself, raised its nose from the carpet, looked around for a few minutes, 

 and then slowly crawled away from the dog, moving about the room 

 as if in search of its own bed ! I took it up and had it carried down stairs 

 and placed again in its box, where it went to sleep, as soundly as ever, 

 until spring made its appearance. That season advancing, and the 

 trees showing their leaves, the Woodchuck became as brisk and gentle 

 as could be desired, and was frequently brought into the parlour. The 

 succeeding winter this animal evinced the same disposition and never 

 appeared to suffer by its long sleep. ' " 



Woodchucks are vegetarians. Their food consists principally of 

 grasses and clover, although, when near a garden, they will eat cabbages, 

 beans, pumpkin vines, young com, etc., and often do considerable 

 damage. They feed regularly morning and evening, but often come 

 out any time during the day and on moonlight nights. While as a 

 rule they are shy and suspicious, they can fight well, when cornered, 

 as many a dog has learned to his cost. The flesh is very palatable when 

 properly prepared; the fur is little used, but the skin, when properly 

 tanned, makes an excellent soft leather. 



There is a popular superstition that on the second day of February 

 the Woodchuck comes out of his hole and looks about. If he sees his 

 shadow, it is a sign that the weather will continue cold for some time to 

 come and there will be a late spring; but if, on the other hand, he fails 

 to see his shadow, then there will be an early spring and little or no 

 cold weather. The reason for this ridiculous superstition can only be 

 surmised, as its origin is obscure. 



Specimens examined from Illinois, Wisconsin and adjoining states: 

 Illinois- — Lake Forest, i; Willow Springs, i; Fox Lake, 3; (O.) Lake 



Forest, 2 = 7. 

 Wisconsin — (M. P. M.) Waukesha, i; Lake Koshkonong, i; Prescott, 



Pierce Co., 3; Newport, Door Co. (not typical), 2; Maiden Rock, 



Pierce Co., i; Waukesha Co., i; (O. C.) Turtle Lake, Barron Co. 



(skulls), 4; Waukesha Co., 4; (O.) Lake Geneva, 4=21. 



