VARIEGATED MARMOT. 125 



are sometimes seen in considerable numbers bask- 

 ing near the entrances of their holes, and when 

 disturbed utter the same kind of shrill whistle as 

 the common Marmot. They are said to be very 

 irascible and quarrelsome among themselves ; and 

 their bite is very severe. They feed not only on 

 vegetable but also on animal food, and are ob- 

 served to destroy small birds and other animals. 

 Notwithstanding their native wildness, hardly any 

 animal is more easily tamed. Even those which 

 are full grown, will grow tolerably familiar in 

 the space of a single day. The females, how- 

 ever, which are fiercer than the males, are much 

 less readily tamed, especially if taken at an ad- 

 vanced age. They are of an extremely cleanly 

 disposition, and, after feeding, generally wash 

 their faces in the manner of cats, and clean their 

 fur with the greatest diligence. Dr. Pallas kept 

 several for a considerable time, and had thus an 

 opportunity of observing with peculiar exactness 

 their habits and manner of life : like other do- 

 mestic animals, they were fond of being caressed, 

 and would readily feed from the hand : their sleep 

 was extremely profound, and commenced very 

 early in the evening, continuing during the whole 

 night ; and even during a good part of the day, 

 if the weather happened to be cold or rainy. 



