156 Fretp Museum or Narurat History — Zoétocy, Vor. XI. 
without effecting any apparent change in its lethargic condition; and 
being desirous to push the experiment as far as in my power, I laid it 
close to the fire, and having ordered my dog to lie down by it, placed 
the Woodchuck in the dog’s lap. In about half an hour my pet unrolled 
itself, raised its nose from the carpet, looked around for a few minutes, 
and then slowly crawled away from the dog, moving about the room 
as if in search of its own bed! I took it up and had it carried down stairs 
and placed again in its box, where it went to sleep, as soundly as ever, 
until spring made its appearance. That season advancing, and the 
trees showing their leaves, the Woodchuck became as brisk and gentle 
as could be desired, and was frequently brought into the parlour. The 
succeeding winter this animal evinced the same disposition and never 
appeared to suffer by its long sleep.’”’ 
Woodchucks are vegetarians. Their food consists principally of 
grasses and clover, although, when near a garden, they will eat cabbages, 
beans, pumpkin vines, young corn, etc., and often do considerable 
damage. They feed regularly morning and evening, but often come 
out any time during the day and on moonlight nights. While as a 
tule they are shy and suspicious, they can fight well, when cornered, 
as many a dog has learned to his cost. The flesh is very palatable when 
properly prepared; the fur is little used, but the skin, when properly 
tanned, makes an excellent soft leather. 
There is a popular superstition that on the second day of February 
the Woodchuck comes out of his hole and looks about. If he sees his 
shadow, it is a sign that the weather will continue cold for some time to 
come and there will be a late spring; but if, on the other hand, he fails 
to see his shadow, then there will be an early spring and little or no 
cold weather. The reason for this ridiculous superstition can only be 
surmised, as its origin is obscure. 
Specimens examined from Illinois, Wisconsin and adjoining states: 
Illinois — Lake Forest, 1; Willow Springs, 1; Fox Lake, 3; (O.) Lake 
Forest, 2=7. 
Wisconsin — (M. P. M.) Waukesha, 1; Lake Koshkonong, 1; Prescott, 
Pierce Co., 3; Newport, Door Co. (not typical), 2; Maiden Rock, 
Pierce Co., 1; Waukesha Co., 1; (O. C.) Turtle Lake, Barron Co. 
(skulls), 4; Waukesha Co., 4; (O.) Lake Geneva, 4= 21. 
