ALONG FOUR-FOOTED TRAILS 



has in consequence been obliged to do the work 

 nature did before he interfered. The plains 

 farmer now finds it necessary to do all in his 

 power to prevent the increase of the prairie 

 dogs. 



Sam often took his two little pets with him to 

 visit their old home and relatives ; but they 

 were always carried back to his own home and 

 his companionship. 



Before and after a storm Sam particularly en- 

 joyed watching the little animals of the town, 

 which included one hundred or more inhabitants. 

 They would come out in a most business-like 

 manner when a storm threatened, inspect the 

 little mounds of dirt, which are usually from two 

 to three feet in diameter and two feet high. If 

 one found the least defect he would throw up 

 the dirt with masterly skill and great energy, then 

 run along in company with a neighbor to the 

 next burrow. When all was completed they 

 would sit upon their respective hillocks and look 

 as though watching the threatening storm-cloud. 

 After the storm had spent its fury they were 

 the first animals to be up and at work repairing 

 any damage. In a short time the town would 



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