34 



THE PRAIRIE DOGS. 



As Mr. Murray remarks, it is difficult to say why they 

 have received so absurd an appellation, for they do not 

 bear the slightest resemblance to the canine species either 

 in structure or habits. In size they vary greatly, but on 

 the average they are not larger than a squirrel ; nor are 



PKAIKIE HOGS. 



they unlike one in appearance, except that they lack the 

 bushy tail. They burrow under the light soil, and throw 

 it up round the entrance, like our English rabbit ; and on 

 this little mound they generally sit, chirping and chattering 

 to one another, like gossips in a village. Their number is 



