22 



SKETCH or THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



middle of September they betake themselves to their 

 winter dormitories, and close the entrance with earth 

 and the dried grass which they have accumulated : here 

 they sink into a profound repose, from which they do 

 not awaken till the return of A])ril. Though timid and 

 inoffensive, these animals defend themselves resolutely 

 when driven to an extremity, and their powerful incisors 

 inflict severe wounds. They lift their food to their 

 mouths while sitting squirrel-like, and will walk on their 

 hind feet. On retiring for the winter they are at first 

 very fat, and numbers are taken at this season, partly for 

 the sake of their skins, and partly for their flesh, which 

 is eaten by the mountaineers. The young are easily 





