fHE MAttMOT. 215 



Joint labours. 



of their abode is comfortably lined with moss 

 and hay, of which they lay up a considerable 

 store during the summer. 



We are informed upon respectable authority 

 that this labour is carried on jointly: that some 

 of the animals cut the finest herbage, which is 

 collected by others : and that they transport it 

 to their habitations in the following manner: 

 One, it is said, lies down on his back, allows hirr.- 

 self to be loaded with hay, and extends his limb; ; 

 and others trail him, thus loaded, by the tail, 

 taking care not to overset him. The task of thus 

 serving as a vehicle, is divided alternately among 

 the number. M. Beauplau, in his Description 

 of Ukraine, asserts, that he has often seen them 

 practise this, and has watched them at it fcr 

 whole days together. The repeated frictions 

 arising from sustaining a passive part in the ope- 

 ration, are assigned as the reason why the hair is 

 generally rubbed off from their backs: though 

 this effect may probably be produced by their 

 frequent digging of the earth, which alone is 

 sufficient to peel off the hair. However this may 

 be, it is certain that they reside together, and 

 work in common in their habitations, where they 

 pass the greatest part of their lives. Thither they 

 retire during rain, or on the approach of danger j 

 and never go out but in fine weather, and even 

 then to no great distance. 



When a number of marmots are feeding toge- 

 ther, one of them stands sentinel upon a rock; 



VOL.1I. NO. XII. 2E 



