386 THE RODENTIA, OR GNAWING ANIMALS 



It measures about a foot in length, and on the upper surface of 

 its body is of a reddish brown, with grey markings ; the lower 

 surface being brownish or yellowish white. These animals live 

 together in great societies. At the mouth of every burrow there 

 is a little hillock formed of earth thrown out of the burrow, and 

 serving as a watch-tower. The burrows are usually very numerous, 

 and placed near together, forming a regular colony or " village." 

 A good deal of doubtful " natural history " has been written con- 

 cerning the relations which exist between the little Prairie Dogs 

 and the rattlesnakes and burrowing owls which frequent their 

 colonies, and the " happy family " nature accredited by some 

 authors to the association does not appear to hold good. The 

 rattlesnake is known to have a weakness for Prairie Dog, and 

 probably in most cases first devours the rightful owner of the burrow 

 he inhabits ; while the burrowing owl, which in other situations 

 is known to dig its own subterranean dwelling, on these prairies 

 saves itself the trouble by taking possession of a deserted abode 

 of the Prairie Dog. 



The true Marmots are nearly related to the prairie dogs, and 

 are confined to the northern hemisphere, but are widely distributed 

 over both continents. They are stoutly built little animals, and 

 usually live in large societies in extensive burrows. They are the 

 largest members of their family, the Alpine Marmots measuring 

 more than twenty inches in length, and the Bobac about fifteen 

 inches, exclusive of tail. 



The Beaver is usually about two feet and a half long, and is, 

 therefore, with the exception of the capybara, one of the largest 

 of the Rodents. The general colour of the fur is reddish-brown 

 on the upper surface, lighter and greyish below ; the colour, 

 however, varies a little in different individuals, being generally 

 darker in specimens from northern localities. Formerly the Beaver 

 ranged over the whole of Europe, including the British Islands. 

 It has, however, practically disappeared from the southern parts 

 of Europe, but is still met with in some parts of Poland, Russia, 

 Austria, and the Scandinavian peninsula ; and in Asia about the 

 rivers of Siberia, and the streams flowing into the Caspian Sea. 

 It is still fairly abundant in some of the more remote parts of 

 the forests of North America. So much has been written upon 

 the habits of the Beaver, and of the wonderful dams which it 



