runway for some eight or ten feet more, and from this lead off 

 tunnels at a somewhat higher level to the rooms or nests, of which 

 there are often more than one. Into these retreats the busiest 

 community will all scamper with characteristic hurry at the signal of 

 danger, leaving the streets deserted, for although impatient of con- 

 finement, they are the most wary of animals. 



Of their former natural enemies, the ferret and the rattlesnake, 

 from both of whom their deepest and longest tunnels afford not the 

 slightest protection, are about the only ones who survive in suf- 

 ficient numbers to do them much harm. Because of their consequent 

 increase and the immense quantities of grass which they consume, 

 they are becoming a- decided nuisance to many of the western cattle 

 owners. 



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