390 



lUTBODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



complete state of torpidity. Thus the Marmot [Fig. 308) of the 

 Alps and Pyrenees dozes away the winter, until the sunshine 



Fig. 308. -JIakmot. 



and the showers of April rouse it from slumber. The Ham- 

 ster of the North of Europe, lays up in its winter quarters a 



plentiful store of grain, which it 

 conveys from the fields in its 

 capacious cheek pouches. The pro- 

 vident instincts of both the Squirrel 

 and the Dormouse of England, need 

 only be referred to. The Jerboa, 

 or Jumping Eat of Egypt(F?V7. 309), 

 although it does not by bernate, esta- 

 blishes maga- 

 zines of grain ; 

 and thus "pro- 

 videth her 

 meat in the 

 summer, and 

 fjathereth her 

 food in the 

 harvest." 

 occasionally the serious 



Fig. 309.— Jekboa. 



Utility. — The annoyance, and 



injury inflicted by some members of the present group, is 

 universally admitted. On the other hand we should consider 

 that substances which would soon be decaying and offensive, 

 iire removed by their agency ; that the fur of some is much 

 valued, and forms an extensive branch of trade, and that man 

 himself, and many cai*nivorous beasts and birds, derive from 

 different species of these animals an important supply of food. 



