ASSOCIATES OF THE PRAIRIE-DOGS. 47 



the elevated table-lands of New Mexico, where there was no water upon 

 the surface of the ground for twenty miles, and where it did not seem 

 probable that it could be obtained by excavating to the depth of a hun- 

 dred feet. This has induced me to believe that they do not require that 

 element without which most other animals perish in a short time. 



As there are generally no rains or dews during the summer months 

 upon the plains where these towns are found, and as the animals never 

 wander far from home, I think I am warranted in coming to the con- 

 clusion that they require no water beyond that which the grass affords 

 them. That they hybernate and pass the winter in a lethargic or torpid 

 state is evident, from the fact that they lay up no sustenance for the 

 winter, and tbat the grass around their holes dries up in the autumn, the 

 earth freezes hard, and renders it utterly impossible for them to procure 

 food in the usual manner. 



When the prairie-dog first feels the approach of the sleeping season, 

 (generally about the last days of October,) he closes all the passages to 

 his dormitory to exclude the cold air, and betakes himself to his brumal 

 slumber with the greatest possible care. He remains housed until the 

 warm days of spring, when he removes the obstructions from his door, 

 and again appears above ground as frolicsome as ever. 



I have been informed by the Indians, that a short time before a cold 

 storm in the autumn, all the prairie dogs may be seen industriously 

 occupied with weeds and earth closing the entrances to their burrows. 

 They are sometimes, however, seen reopening them while the weather is 

 still cold and stormy, but mild and pleasant weather is always certain to 

 follow. 



It appears, therefore, that instinct teaches the little quadrupeds when 

 to expect good or bad weather, and to make their arrangements ac- 

 cordingly. A species of small owl is always found in the dog towns, 

 sitting at the mouths of the holes when not occupied by the dogs; 

 whether for the purpose of procuring food, or for some other object, I 

 do not know. They do not, however, as some have asserted, burrow 

 with the dogs ; and when approached, instead of entering the holes, they 

 invariably fly away. It has also been said that the rattle-snake is a 

 constant companion of the dog ; but this is a mistake, for I have some- 

 times passed for days through the towns without seeing one. They are, 

 however, often seen in the holes in company with the dogs, and it has 

 been supposed by some that they were welcome guests with the pro- 

 prietors of the establishments; but we have satisfied ourselves that this 

 is a domestic arrangement entirely at variance with the wishes of the 



