35 



«bscure part of the place^ and covered her carefully 

 over with wood, so that no part of her could be seen, 

 and had then retired to the place where he was 

 found. 



MARMOT. 



The Marmot (Arctomys Marmota). 



The Marmot, when taken young, is more capable 

 of being tamed than any other wild animal ; it will 

 easily learn to perform feats with a stick, to dance 

 and obey the voice of its master ; it bears a great 

 antipathy to the dog, and when it becomes familiar 

 in a house, and is certain of being supported by its 

 master, it will in his presence attack the largest dogs, 

 and boldly fasten on them with its teeth. They are 

 natives of the Alps and Pyrenean mountains, and 

 remain in a torpid state from the end of September 

 to the beginning of April. They live in societies, 

 from five to fourteen in number, in burrows which 

 have several passages constructed with great art; the 

 principal apartment at the end is warmly lined with 

 moss and hay ; and it is asserted that this work is 

 carried on by the whole company ; that some cut the 

 finest grass, others pull it up, others take it in their 

 turn to convey it to the hole; upon this occasion, it is 

 added, one of them lies on its back, permits the hay 

 to be heaped on its belly, keeping its paws upright 



