PllAIRIE-DOGS. 145 



It has been supposed that the prairie-dog hibernates ; but 

 this is not the case, though he lays in a store of provision for 

 winter consumption — he being as lively at that period as at 

 any other, though he wisely prefers keeping within the house 

 while the icy blasts blow across the plains. The creature is 

 especially tenacious of life, and even when shot through the 

 body will manage to gain his burrow at rapid speed. He 

 does not run into it, but, like the rabbit, he makes a jump in 

 the air, turns what looks like a somersault, and, nourishing his 

 hind-legs and whisking his tail, disappears as if by magic. 

 In an instant afterwards, however, his little sparkling eyes 

 and nose may be seen above the ground; and if no stranger is 

 in sight, he, with the rest of the community, will commence 

 gambolling and frisking about, forgetful of his numerous foes 

 and previous alarm. It is very difficult to obtain a specimen 

 of the prairie-dog, as, even if mortally wounded, he generally 

 tumbles into his hole before being captured. The inhabitants 

 of the plain, however, manage to catch the animal alive by 

 dragging a cask of water to one of their holes which does not 

 communicate with the rest of the village. They then pour 

 the water down the hole, either drowning the creature or com- 

 pelling him to come out. He is very soon reconciled to a state 

 of captivity, and after two days appears on the most intimate 

 terms with his captors. Even when turned loose again the 

 creatures will not leave the neighbourhood of the house, but 

 burrow under the foundation, making themselves quite at home, 

 and fearlessly come out to be fed when summoned by a whistle. 

 They become, indeed, very interesting and pretty little pets. 



We shall meet with a similar animal on the })ampas of 

 South America, and which has also the companionship of a 

 little owl. 



(379) , 10 



