WINTER SLEEP OF ANIMALS. 



79 



root of some old thorn, or hidden in some secret 

 crevice not far off. 



Creatures that pass the winter in a torpid 

 state are generally cold to the touch, and ap- 

 pear to be almost dead. They also become much 

 lighter during their torpidity, and when they 

 awake, in the spring, are very thin. 



Questions. 



What animals are very watchful during sleep ? 

 In what manner do some animals spend the winter-months 1 

 What name is given to them in consequence 1 

 How does the hamster prepare its winter-house ? 

 Mention some other examples of hybernating animals. 

 Do all these animals sleep during the whole winter ] 

 How are they preserved from want of food when they 

 awake "? 



Mention one example. 



What is remarkable about these torpid animals ? 



