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EUSSIAN MAEMOT. 



Arctomys hoibak. 



French : Marmotte. German : Murmelthier. 



This large Marmot is about a foot to a foot and a half 

 in length, and exists in large quantities in Southern 

 Eussia, consuming grass and other crops, and also 

 annoying the farmer by the hillocks which it throws up. 



The burrows descend to a depth of 7 to 10 feet, and 

 hillocks are raised outside by the earth which is 

 removed. The Marmots make a hole to escape besides 

 the main entrance ; they hibernate in winter, and have 

 many habits in common with the Prairie Marmot or 

 Dog of North America, such as sitting on its haunches, 

 whistling, etc. 



The colour is generally yellow, with longer, darker, 

 bristly hair ; the belly is yellow, and the colour of the 

 under fur dark. Many animals, however, especially 

 when the fresh coat of fur begins to grow, are very dark, 

 almost black. A fawn or dun variety is not uncommon. 

 It has 8 teats. The fur is generally harsh, and not of 

 much value, 2d. to 6d. being the usual price per skin. 

 About 30,000 were imported one year. 



Many skins are manufactured into rugs, and some 

 are dyed brown, and used for capes, etc. 



The Eussian Marmot begins to hibernate in October, 

 having previously laid in a store of hay for the winter. 

 Mr. E. P. Thompson says the ordinary temperature of 

 the Marmot is 102°, but during hibernation it is only 43°. 

 Their fat is said to be used for machinery {Field, 

 March 13, 1886). The Marmot, when captured young, 

 makes an excellent pet. 



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