THE LAPLAND MARMOT. 159 



preaches much nearer the latter than the former species ; but if 

 we examine the construction of its parts, it will be found in some 

 respects to agree with both these quadrupeds. Its head, nose, 

 and lips, resemble those of the hare ; while its ears, teeth, and 

 claws, are like those of the rat. In many of its habits it is dis- 

 tinguished not only from these, but from most other animals. 



The tail of the marmot is short and bushy, the hair on the 

 back is brownish, and on the belly reddish : its voice resembles 

 the murmuring of a young whelp ; when irritated or affrighted, 

 it becomes loud and piercing. It feeds on insects, roots, and 

 vegetables , but when tamed, is veiy fond of milk and butter. 

 They often feed in flocks, and place one as a sentinel, in order 

 to give the alarm in case of danger, which is done by making a 

 Kind of whistling noise : and the party immediately betake them- 

 selves to their holes, which are formed with great art in the sides 

 of the mountains, their ordinary habitations. In these burrows, 

 which have two narrow entrances, the provident creatures lay 

 up a store of moss and hay for the winter, and in that season 

 they shut themselves up so effectually, by stopping up the en- 

 trance with earth, that they cannot easily be discovered. The 

 interior apartment, where they lodge, is sufficiently spacious to 

 contain a whole family of ten or a dozen of these animals. Here 

 they roll themselves up with hay, and remain all the winter in a 

 torpid state, regardless of the inclemency of the season, and the 

 storm that rages without. Such are the wonderful instincts given 

 by a wise and gracious Providence to these animals for their 

 preservation. 



The marmot is easily tamed, and then becomes very playful. 

 It obeys the voice of its master, and easily learns to leap, dance, 

 and play many frolicsome gambols. It has a great antipathy to 

 do;s, and readily attacks them with great fierceness. It often 

 sits upright, and walks with ease on its hind-legs. It feeds itself 

 with its fore-paws like a squirrel, and is on the whole a diverting 

 little animal. 



The marmot soon arrives at maturity, and consequently its 

 life is limited to a short period, being seldom found to exceed 

 nine years. It breeds once a year, and generally produces three 

 or four at a litter. The highest regions of the Alps are the usual 

 abode of this animal : it is also found, with variations, in Poland 

 and Tartary. 



THE LEMING, OR LAPLAND MARMOT. 



This animal presents one of these singular phenomena, which 

 to the curious observer of Nature, have always appeared particu- 

 larly striking, and is distinguished from all other quadrupeds by 

 habits peculiar to itself, and for which it puzzles philosophy to 



