100 MARMOT. DORMOUSE. 



though millions thus leave the country where they are 

 produced, and millions more are devoured in their native 

 mountains, as well by animals of prey as by the Laplan- 

 ders, (who eat their flesh,) there appears no deficiency in 

 their numbers. Happily for mankind, however, their 

 emigrations happen not oftener than once or twice within 

 twenty years. 



THE MARMOT. 



This animal is nearly the size of a hare, ,which it resem- 

 bles in the shape of its head ; but its ears are much shorter, 

 and the tail more tufted. The body is clothed with long 

 hair; under which is a fine short fur, of different colours, 

 generally cinereous mixed with tawny. 



The marmot is a native of the Alps ; but is likewise 

 found in Poland, part of Tartary, and (with some specific 

 differences) in Africa and America, When taken young, 

 it is easily tamed, and taught to dance, to obey the call of 

 its master, and to perform several tricks for his amuse- 

 ment. It is in general a very harmless and inoffensive 

 animal ; and, except in its antipathy to dogs, which appears 

 invincible, it lives in friendship with every creature that 

 abstains from giving it provocation. 



Marmots feed indiscriminately on flesh, bread, fruit, or 

 vegetables ; but are particularly fond of milk and butter. 

 When irritated or frightened, they utter a piercing cry. 

 Though cleanly in their habits, they have a disagreeable 

 cent, particularly in warm weather ; as the cold sets in, 

 however, they begin to prepare their winter residence, and 

 lie in a state of torpidity, like the bat and the dormouse, 

 till the return of spring. 



The marmot produces but once a year, and usually 

 brings forth four or five at a time. It speedily arrives at 

 maturity ; consequently its life is short, seldom exceeding 

 nine or ten years. 



THE DORMOUSE. 



There are several varieties of this pretty little animal 

 probably produced by climate, or other accidental causes 



