PHipps PRAIRIE DOGS 359 



snake alive. Badgers and blackfooted ferrets, however, are 

 their worst enemies as they can easily dig up a burrow and capture 

 the occupants. It is even said that the Navajo and Pueblo 

 Indians are extremely fond of them and in times of heavy rains 

 capture them by directing the rush of water into their holes. 



Since their plump little bodies make such good food for their 

 enemies, it is necessary for them to keep continually on the look- 

 out for their foes. This is done by sentinels sitting at full height 

 on the watch tower. At the slightest sign of danger he begins 

 a sharp bark which seems to say "Skip! Skip! Skip'," at 

 which signal all the other prairie dogs rush for their homes, 

 barking, and vibrating their tails, ready to disappear in their 

 wholes if necessary but, as they are very inquisitive, usually waiting 

 for a second alarm signal, or, if they have disappeared, returning 

 in a short time for another look. 



Owing to the practical extermination of many of his natural 

 enemies and the increase in his food supply due to the cultivation 

 of large tracts of land, civilization has been of great help to 

 this little rodent and he is fast becoming a national pest. Both 

 the Federal government and the local authorities are trying 

 various methods of relief but are almost helpless. One of the 

 most successful methods is the placing of a spoonfull of poisoned 

 wheat in the mouth of each burrow. However, the campaign 

 of extermination is on and they will doubtless soon disappear 

 from much of their present range. 



YARROW 



Robert Sparks Walker 



Dear Friends :- 



To me it seems an awful shame, My many grayish, white, small flow rs, 



That I'm called a weed by name; In flat- top clusters catch the show'rs; 



Now as I scatter my ripe seeds, My rays of white or crimson pink, 



I join the ranks of other weeds. Are rich enough to make you think, 



My feath'ry leaves are much ad- To call me e'er a flower dear, 



mired, And when you see my blooms appear, 



Their perfume sweet is oft desired; And say "a weed" I'll think you narrow. 

 My stem from one to two feet high, I am 

 Is covered with soft hairs awry. Your floral friend, 



A. Yarrow. 



