SCIURIDE 455 
sitting at the entrance to its burrow, which is generally beneath a 
rhubarb plant. 
The following account of the habits of the Alpine Marmot is 
given by Professor Blasius: “ Marmots live high up in the snowy 
regions of the mountains, generally preferring exposed cliffs, whence 
they may have a clear view of any approaching danger, for which, 
while quietly basking in the sun or actively running about in search 
of food, a constant watch is kept. When one of them raises the cry 
of warning, the loud piercing whistle so well known to travellers 
Fic. 201,—Alpine Marmot (dArctomys marmotta). After Brehm. 
in the Alps, they all instantly take to flight and hide themselves in 
holes and crannies among the rocks, often not reappearing at the 
entrance of their hiding-places until several hours have elapsed, and 
then frequently standing motionless on the look-out for a still longer 
period. Their food consists of the roots and leaves of various 
Alpine plants, which, like squirrels, they lift to their mouths with 
their fore paws. For their winter quarters they make a large 
round burrow, with but one entrance, and ending in a sleeping-place 
thickly lined with hay. Here often from ten to fifteen Marmots 
pass the winter, all lying closely packed together fast asleep until 
the spring.” 
Cynomys.1—Size and form intermediate between <Arctomys and 
Spermophilus. Ears and tail short. Cheek-pouches shallow. Fore 
1 Rafinesque, Amer. Monthly Mag. vol. ii. p. 45 (1817). 
