THE EARLESS MARMOT. 161 



powerful digging claws, which it can use with great 

 effect. While running about, my specimen con- 

 stantly utters a little shrill cry, like " seek seek 

 seek/' rapidly repeated, which sound is common 

 to several other members of the genus. In its wild 

 state it feeds principally on grain roots and the bark 

 of various Alpine shrubs, laying up a large store 

 of provisions for its winter subsistence. The 

 burrows of this spermophilus are usually of a con- 

 siderable length, having several chambers of various 

 sizes ; the largest is commonly at the extremity of 

 the earth, being set apart by the animal as a sleep- 

 ing place, being well furnished with moss and dried 

 grass for that purpose. About the end of autumn 

 or commencement of Avinter the little creature 

 retires to his snug retreat, and sinks into a state of 

 lethargy like the dormice, walking occasionally for 

 the purpose of taking food. In the spring it re- 

 appears, its condition not being perceptibly altered 

 by the long period it has remained dormant. My 

 specimen has become very tame through kind and 

 careful treatment, and is a most agreeable pet, being 

 perfectly devoid of all unpleasant smell, and ex- 

 tremely gentle in disposition, never attempting to 

 bite when touched. Though its food is principally 

 of a vegetable nature, this little animal, like most 

 other rodents, will feed readily on raw meat, or 

 small birds, though it does not evince the same 



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