36 THE PESTS OF THE FARM. 



tancc in the rear as sentinels. These watchmen sit erect, with 

 their fore-paws held close to their breast, and their heads slightly 

 inclined to catch every sound which may move the air. Their ex- 

 treme sensibility of ear enables them to distinguish the approach 

 of an enemy long before he is sufficiently near to be dangerous, 

 and the instant the sentinel takes alarm he gives a clear shrill 

 whistle, which immediately disperses the troop in every direction, 

 and they speedily take refuge in their deepest caves. The time at 

 which such incursions are made is generally about mid-day, when 



THE WOODCHUCK. 



tiey are less liable to be interrupted than at any other period, 

 either by human or brute enemies. 



The habitations of the woodchuck are formed by burrowing 

 into banks, the sides of hills, or other similar situations, by which 

 the access of water is prevented. In forming the burrow, where 

 the ground is soft, the fore-paws are the principal agents; the 

 strength of the animal's fore limbs is very great. Where the soil 

 is hard and compact, the long cutting teeth are very freely and effi- 

 ciently employee!, and we have been surprised to see large stones 

 and lumps of hardened clay dug out in this way. 



The burrows extend to great distances under ground, and ter- 

 minate in various chambers, according to the number of inhabit- 

 ants. In these, very comfortable beds are made by the wood- 

 chuck, of dry leaves, grass, or any soft dry rubbish to be collected. 

 It is really surprising to see the vast quantity of such material an 

 individual will cram into his mouth to carry off for this purpose. 

 He firsts grasps with the teeth as much as he possibly can ; then 

 sitting erect, with both fore-paws he stuffs the mass projecting on 

 each side deeper into the mouth, and having arranged it satisfac- 

 torily, takes up successive portions, which are treated in like man- 



