452 THE ALPINE MARMOT. 



being given, they immediately hasten to their hiding 

 places. 



In the countries where the rhubarb * grows, it 

 is said that the Marmot generally fixes its residence 

 near those plants ; and wherever ten or twenty of 

 these are found near each other, there are always 

 several of its burrows under the shade of their broad 

 leaves. It is probable, that the manure thus laid 

 about the root contributes, in a considerable degree, 

 towards the increase of the plants ; and that the 

 casting up of the earth causes the young shoots to 

 come forth more freely. The Mongols take very* 

 little care in the cultivation of rhubarb ; therefore 

 we seem to be in a great measure indebted to the 

 Marmots for this useful root. Wherever the seed 

 becomes scattered among grass it is generally lost, 

 from not reaching the ground ; but when it is thrown 

 among the loose earth cast up by these little animals, 

 it immediately takes root, and produces a new 

 plant -j'. 



The Marm.ot has a quick eye, and discovers zn 

 enemy at a considerable distance. He never does the 

 IcList injury to any other animal, and attempts to escape 

 when attacked. In fact, when apprehensive of being 

 followed, whole fimiliesof them quit their dwellings, 

 and wander from mountain to mountain, although 

 they i]ave in consequence new habitations to con- 

 struct. But, when flight is impossible, they defend 

 themselves with spirit against even Men and Dogs, 



Rlieum Paliuattim, ofLiimarus. I Bell, i. S38. 



