134 ANI3IALS IN MENAGERIES. 



in ray own sitting-room^ where they were the constant 

 companions of the Indian women and children ; and 

 were so fond of their company^ that when the Indians 

 were absent for any considerable time^, the beavers 

 evinced great signs of uneasiness ; while on their return 

 they showed equal marks of pleasure, by fondling on them, 

 crawling into their laps, lying on their backs^ sitting 

 erect like a squirrel, and behaving, in short, like 

 children who see their parents but seldom." Mr. Brode- 

 rip has also given an interesting account of a favourite 

 beaver named Binny, whi-ch he had in his possession 

 some time : we regret our space will not permit of its 

 insertion, and it is too well written to bear abridgment. 



The skins of the beaver are well known to be an 

 important article of commerce. The destruction of 

 these poor animals was so great in 1743, that 26,750 

 skins were sold by the Hudson's Bay company, and 

 127,000 were imported unto llochelle. But in 1827, 

 although the quantity sent to London was collected 

 from an extent of country four times larger than that 

 hunted over in 1743, the number imported did not 

 much exceed 50,000.* 



The Whistling Marmot. 



Arctomys pruinosus, Rich. Hoary Marmot, Pennant. Souffleur, 

 or Mountain Badger, Fur Traders. 



The American marmots have recently been illustrated 

 with much skill by Dr. Richardson t, who enumerates no 

 less than five species ; while two only are found in Europe. 

 They all, however, seem capable of being domesticated, 

 and well deserve a place in our menageries. The present 

 species is about the size of a badger, has a long bushy tail, 

 and is covered with lengthened hair of a beautiful silver- 

 grey colour. But it is chiefly remarkable for the following 

 habits, observed by Mr. Harmon : — It burrows on sandy 

 soil, near grassy hills, and during autumn may be fre- 

 quently seen cutting hay, to be employed or devouretl 



* North. Zool. i. 108. + Ibid. i. 



