THE MARMOUT. Ill 



are not near so long : the legs of the marmout are so 

 extremely short, that the body seems to rest upon the 

 ground : the hair is a mixture of black and grey, ex- 

 ceeds both the former animals in length, and gives the 

 body a larger appearance than in reality it does pos- 

 sess : the tail is tufted and well furnished with hair, and 

 it has Jive claws behind, but only four on its front feet: 

 like the hare, it has four large cutting teeth ; and it is 

 peculiarly fond of gnawing into wood ; yet it is a harm- 

 less inoffensive animal, easily tamed, and soon taught 

 a variety of playful tricks. It sits upon its hinder parts 

 like a squirrel, feeds itself with its fore feet, and eats 

 indiscriminately of flesh, bread, fruits, herbs, roots, 

 pulse, and insects ; though it has a peculiar fondness 

 for milk and butter. 



The marmout, though a native of the highest moun- 

 tains, where the snow is never melted, feels the influence 

 of cold in a greater degree than any other animal ; and is 

 so completely affected by it, as to seem entirely to lose 

 the power of sensation. This extraordinary suspension of 

 life and motion, for at least one half of the year, is one of 

 those singular phenomena in nature which calls forth our 

 astonishment, without being able to satisfy our reason. 



About the beginning of October this singular little 

 animal digs itself a secure retreat on the side of a moun- 

 tain, which is sufficiently spacious to contain several fa- 

 milies, without either interfering with, or molesting the 

 rest. The form of this dwelling resembles the letter Y, 

 the two branches being two openings, which terminate 

 in the general apartment at the bottom of the hole, 

 which is warmly stuccoed round with moss and hay. 

 This laborious undertaking is performed during the 

 summer ; and the whole community unite their endea- 

 vours to accomplish the work. Upon this occasion, 

 we are told that one of the animals lies upon its back, 



