On Hybernation, . 79 
1806; here they increased considerably in the seniiaty of 
two months, ep were not heard or seen after the fire was 
removed. Their disappearance led me to. conclude that 
the cold had killed them: but in this I was mi. 5: 
a brisk fire being kept up for a whole day in the winter, 
the warmth of it invited my colony from their hiding pla~ 
ces, but not before the evening, after which the 
to skip abaut and chirp, the greater part of the following 
day, when they agen disappeared, bans compelled by the 
returning cold to take refuge in their former retreats. 
They left the satabe corner on the 28th of May, 1807, 
after a spell. of hot weather, and revisited their winter res- 
idence on the 3ist of August. Here they spent the sum- 
mer merely, and lie torpid at present, (Jan. 1808,) in the 
crevices of the chimney, with the exception of those. 
on which they are recalled toa ops act existence pele 
comforts of a fire.”?— Reeve, p. 84. 
he precautions taken by animals when abobs to estate 
their torpid state, indicate the power of instinct. The frog 
sinks deep into its muddy bed beyond cm reach “oh and 
the dipus envelopes itself in its clay cloak. The and tes- 
tacea, the helix, pupa, &c. retire into crevices oh pede 
operculum to exclude the air. An animal reviving from a 
torpid state is equally an interesting object. I quote the 
following description of the hampster from the eee 
a ia 
hen the hampster passes from his 94 state, ‘he 
exhibits several curious appearances. He first loses’ rahe 
rigidity of his members, and then makes meet respira- 
tions, but at long intervals. His legs begin to move, he 
opens his mouth, and utters rattling and disagreeabl e sounds. 
After continuing this operation for some time, he Oe ae 
eyes and endeavours to raise himself on his legs. 
movements are still unsteady, and reeling, like those of & 
man in a state of intoxication; but he repeats his ¢ 
till he acquires the use of his limbs. He then remains in 
that attitude for some time, as if to reconnoitre, and rest 
himself after his fatigues. His passage from a the toa 
natural state is more or less quick, rire to the tem~ 
perature.”—Edin. Encyc. Vol. X. pt. 
