416 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Description, &c. 



and on perceiving a man, an eagle, a dog, or any 

 other dangerous animal, he instantly utters a loud 

 and shrill whistle, as the signal for a precipitate 

 retreat. 



The marmot is naturally playful; and when 

 tamed, may be taught to hold a stick, to dance, 

 and to exhibit a variety of gestures, at the com- 

 mand of its master. The female produces once 

 a year, and has generally three or four young 

 ones at a litter. 



THE LEMING. 



LEMINGS are principally found on the 

 mountains of Norway and Lapland. They vary 

 considerably both in size and colour: those of 

 Norway being almost equal to water rats, while 

 those of Lapland are scarcely as large as mice. 

 The former are elegantly variegated with patches 

 of black and tawny, having the sides of the head 

 and the neck white. The legs and tail are grey- 

 ish ; and the under parts of the body a dull 

 white. The head is large, short, and thick; 

 with short ears and small eyes. The body is also 

 thick ; the neck short, and the limbs stout and 

 strong. The tail is very short. When opposed, 

 of enraged, they raise themselves upon their 

 hind feet, and bark like little dogs. 



These animals subsist entirely on vegetables. 

 In summer they form shallow burrows under the 



