248 KAN-SU MARMOT. 



It prefers to burrow in the sides of grassy moun- 

 tains, and lives in small societies, burrowing deep 

 into the stony ground ; several side-passages serve 

 as a means of ingress and egress into the principal 

 chamber. 



Early in the morning as soon as the sun is up, 

 and the air a little warmed, it issues out of its habi- 

 tation and scampers about feeding on the grass, not 

 returning to its burro w% unless disturbed, till about 

 ten o'clock, where it remains till two or three in the 

 afternoon, when it again comes out and plays and 

 feeds till sunset. This rule of course is not without 

 exceptions, but in rainy weather they never stir 

 above ground, although the rain may last several 

 days in succession. 



The Kan-su marmot is sagacious and wary, 

 especially when it is hunted by man. Before leaving 

 its burrow it pokes its head out, and remains half an 

 hour in this position to assure itself of safety. Then 

 half its body may be seen, and again it listens and 

 looks all round, and then only comes quite out and 

 feeds on the grass. If it notice danger, however far 

 off, it immediately makes for its burrow, sits up on 

 its hind legs and utters a loud, prolonged whistle ; 

 then if the object of its fears approach nearer it con- 

 ceals itself aofain below the oi'round. But where it is 

 in close proximity with the Tangutan yurtas and is 

 not molested, its behaviour is bolder, although it 

 never quite forgets its cautious cunning. 



The usual mode of killing these animals is by 

 lying in wait for them near the burrow, hiding before 



