72 THE TRAPPER'S ART. 



ing in such a position as to bring the bait over the trap at the 

 height of six or eight inches. In reaching for the bait the 

 Squirrel gets into the trap. 



To give a complete view of the business of trapping, sev- 

 eral less valuable animals should be briefly noticed, not as fur- 

 bearing, but as legitimate subjects of the trapper's art. 



THE WOODCHUCK OR MARMOT. 



Marmots are burrowing animals. There are a number of 

 species, and they are found on both Continents. In this 

 country, they are commonly called Woodchucks. The cu- 

 rious Prairie Dog of the Western plains is allied to the Mar- 

 mot. This latter animal lives in villages from a few acres to 



O 



several miles in extent, in the country bordering on the 

 Arkansas and Missouri Rivers and their tributaries. The 

 entrance to their burrows is in the summit or side of a small 

 mound of earth, somewhat elevated, but seldom more than 

 eighteen inches high. In pleasant weather, they may be seen 

 sporting about the entrance of their burrows ; and five or six 

 individuals may be sometimes seen sitting on a single mound. 

 They make a noise somewhat like the barking of a dog, 

 whence their name, Prairie Dog. When alarmed, they re- 

 treat at once into their holes. The skin of the common 

 Woodchuck is valuable for whip-lashes, and its fur even is 

 not despised by rustics. All kinds of Marmots may be taken 

 by setting steel-traps, completely covered and without bait, at 

 the mouth of their holes. 



THE GOPHER. 



This animal, called also the Canada Pouched Rat, inhabits 

 the prairie region west of the Mississippi. It is a burrowing 

 animal, and lives on roots and vegetables. Its body is firmly 

 built, about nine inches long, with a short tail and legs, the 

 latter armed with long claws for digging. The head and neck 

 are relatively large, and the mouth has four broad long in- 

 cisors, two on each jaw, adapted to cutting roots. On the 

 aides of the face and neck, extending back to the shoulders, 



