THE PRAIRIE-DOGS. 



351 



In North America there exists a very curious species of Rodents, 

 belonging to the sub-genus Spermophilus, or Spermatophilus that 

 is, " grain-eaters." They are better known by the hunter's name, 

 "Prairie Dogs." Mr. Murray remarks that it is difficult to say why 

 they obtained such an absurd appellation, for they do not bear the 

 slightest resemblance to the canine species, either in formation or 



PRAIRIE WOLVES (Arctomys Ludorieianus}. 



habits.* "In size," he says, "they vary extremely, but in general 

 they are not larger than a squirrel, and not unlike one in appearance, 

 except that they want his bushy tail ; the head is also somewhat 

 rounder. They burrow under the light soil, and throw it up round 

 the entrance to their dwelling like the English rabbit ; on this little 

 * Hon. C. A. Murray, " Travels in North America." 



