160 THE LAPLAND MARMOT. 



account. It is found only in the northern parts of Europe, 

 where immense numbers of these little animals sometimes over- 

 spread large tracts of country, especially in Lapland, Sweden, 

 and Norway. Their appearance happens at uncertain periods, 

 but fortunately for the inhabitants of these countries, not oftener 

 than once or twice in twenty years. As the source from whence 

 they originate in such astonishing numbers, is yet unexplored by 

 the naturalist, it is no wonder that the ignorant Laplander should 

 seriously believe they are rained from the clouds. 



This creature is somewhat less than a rat, and runs very 

 swiftly, although its legs are short and slender. Its head is of a 

 pointed form ; and in each jaw it has two cutting teeth, with 

 which it bites very keenly : its eyes are small, and its ears short : 

 its fore-legs are shorter than the hind ones. The colour of its 

 body and head is tawny, and variegated with large black spots, 

 irregularly arranged ; and the belly is white, tinged with yellow. 



The leming must be prolific beyond conception ; but the most 

 astonishing circumstance of the natural history of these animals, 

 is their destructive migrations. Myriads pour down from the 

 mountains, and form an overwhelming troop, which nothing can 

 resist. The disposition of their march is generally in lines, about 

 three feet asunder, and exactly parallel. In this order they ad- 

 vance with as much regularity as a well-disciplined army ; and 

 it is remarked, that their course is always from the north-west, 

 or south-east. They frequently cover the extent of a square 

 mile, travelling in the night. They always halt in the day, and 

 in the evening resume their march. No opposition can stop 

 them, and whatever way their course is directed, neither fire nor 

 water can turn them out of their road. If a lake or river happen 

 to intercept their progress, they instantly take the water, and 

 swim across, or perish in the attempt. It seems, indeed, as if 

 they were impelled by some secret impulse, which prevents them 

 from ever deviating from their direct route ; for if a fire inter- 

 rupt their course, they instantly plunge into the flames ; if a 

 well, they dart down into it ; if a hay-rick be in their road, they 

 eat through it ; if a house, they climb over it, and never turn an 

 inch out of their way. If thousands perish, thousands still sup- 

 ply their place, until the whole column be destroyed. Happily 

 for mankind, they eat nothing that is prepared for human subsist- 

 ence ; and if they force their passage through a house, they will 

 not touch any thing except such roots or vegetables as they may 

 happen to find in it. If a man, or any animal, should chance to 

 fall in their way, the little animals are no way discouraged by 

 any disproportion of strength ; but fly furiously at their oppo- 

 nent, with a barking noise, like that of a young whelp, and 

 nothing can induce them to relinquish the attack. 



