THE OTHER BEASTS 



35: 



Closely allied to it are the European marmots of the 

 Alps, which used to be carried about by itinerant Swiss 

 boys. As to them we learn from Professor Blasius that 

 " they live high up in the snowy regions of the mountains, 

 generally preferring exposed cliffs, whence they may have 

 a clear view of any approaching danger, for which, while 



Fig. 92. 





THE PRAIRIE DOG. 



quietly basking in the sun, or actively running about 

 in search of food, a constant Avatch is kept. When one 

 of them raises the cry of warning, a loud piercing- 

 whistle well known to travellers in the Alps, they all 

 instantly take to flight, and hide themselves in holes and 

 crannies among the rocks, often not re-appearing at 

 the entrance of their hiding-place u'ltil several hours 



