THE BOBAC. 



23 



tamed, and are often carried about by Savoyards for the 

 purpose of exhibition. The marmot produces from three 

 to five at a birth. 



This species is of about the size of a rabbit. Its 

 general colour is yellowish-gray, passing into hoary about 

 the cheeks, and blackish-gray on the top of the head ; 

 the tip of the tail is black. (Fig. 8.) 



9 — Bobac. 



The Bobac {Aixtomys bobac). 



This species inhabits the regions of Poland through 

 which flow the Dnieper and its tributary streams, whence 

 it ranges through a great part of Northern Asia. It 

 gives preference to hills of moderate elevation, where it 

 chooses a dry locality in which to construct its burrows. 

 These are carried to a great depth, and are tenanted by 

 families consisting of twenty or even forty individuals. 



