112 THE M ARM OUT. 



permits the hay to be heaped upon its belly, at the 

 same time keeps its paws erect for the purpose of mak- 

 ing greater space : and, when it is completely laden, 

 the rest take hold of its tail, and in that manner drag 

 it to the bottom of the hole : and this is one reason 

 given for the hair upon the back being worn away, 

 which is usually the case. In this snug and convenient 

 habitation the marmout generally passes three parts of 

 its life: it is its refuge in times of danger, its safety 

 when it dreads the approach of a storm, and its sanc- 

 tuary during the severity of the cold. As soon as they 

 perceive the first approaches of winter, they unremit- 

 tingly labour to close up the two entrances of their ha- 

 bitation, which they perform in so solid a manner, that 

 it is easier to dig into any part of the rock than where 

 they have closed it up. At the time of their entrance 

 into this subterraneous mansion, they are so completely 

 fat as generally to weigh above twenty pounds ; but by 

 the return of spring this nutricious covering is entirely 

 wasted, and the animal is discovered rolled up in the 

 form of a ball, apparently devoid both of sense and 

 life : a gradual warmth revives them by degrees ; but 

 instant death would be the consequence of their being 

 suddenly brought near a fire. 



Whenever these animals venture abroad, either for 

 amusement or in quest of food, one of the community 

 places itself upon an eminence, for the purpose of guard- 

 ing and protecting the clan ; and whenever a man, a 

 dog, or a bird of prey approaches, instantly gives a 

 signal to the rest by a shrill and loud whistle ; upon the 

 hearing of which the terrified party instantly make a 

 rapid retreat. 



The marmout* is chiefly found in the Alps, though the 



* The marmout produces but once a year, and generally brings forth 

 three or four at a time ; but seldom lives longer than nine years. 



