448 THE ALPINE MARMOT. 



birth, the young are able to seek their own provi- 

 sions, which the dam compels them to do ; and in 

 f.fteen or sixteen days, they begin to dig the earth. 



THE MARMOT TRIBE. 



THE Marmots have two wedge-shaped front teeth 

 in each jaw ; and five grinders on each side in the 

 upper, and four in the lower. They have also collar 

 bones in the skeleton*. 



This tribe, of which only e'lghf species are yet 

 known, does not differ in many particulars from 

 that of the Rats. The animals have thick cylindri- 

 cal bodies, and large roundish heads. The fore-feet 

 have four clav.?s, and a very small thumb ; and the 

 hind feet hve claws. They reside in subterraneous 

 holes, and pass the winter in sleep^ 



THE ALPINE MARMOT -I". 



The Alpine Marmot frequents the highest sum 

 mits of the Alps and Pyrenean Mountains, and is 

 also found in some parts of Asia. It is about six- 

 teen inches in length, has a short tail, and bears 

 some resemblance both to the Rat and the Bear. 



* Linn. Gmel. i. 141. 

 t Synonyms.— A I etoniys Mamjota., J|f;2w.,(jrwr/. — ^»Iiis Marniota. 

 Linv. Sj/st. licit. Ed. .I'ii. — Common jNIariiiot. Ken: — Marmotfc. 

 Buifon. — Alpine Marmot, Pc/ni.— — Shaxv's Gin. Zool. pi. 143. — Bcxc. 

 2uaU. 3G6. 



