THE LEMING, OR LAPLAND MARMOT. 925 



tener 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 

 Tery 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 yeUow. 



The Leming must be prolific beyond conception^ 

 but the most astonishing circumstance of the natural 

 history of these animals is their destructive migra- 

 tions. Myriads pour down from the mountains, and 

 form an overwhelming troop, which nothing can re- 

 sist. The disposition of their march is generally in 

 lines, about three feet asunder,, and exactly parallel. 

 In this order they advance with as much regularity 

 as a well disciplined army; and it is remarked that 

 their course is always from the N. W, or S. E. They 

 frequently cover the extent of a square mile, travel- 

 ling 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 di- 

 rected, neither fire nor water can turn them out oi 

 their road. If a lake or a 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 interrupt their course they 

 instantly plunge into the flames; if a well, they Uatt 

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

 through it: if a house, they, climb over it, aud nevor 

 turn an inch out of their way. If thousands perish, 

 thousands still supply their place, until the whole co- 

 kuuu be destroyed. Happily for mankind they eat 

 L. o 



