DOGS THAT ARE NOT DOGS. 



35 



Sometimes, however, the snake gets worsted, is bitten 

 by the little animals in their desperation, and dies along 

 with those he has struck with his poisoned fangs. 



Owls and serpents are not, however, the only ene- 

 mies prairie dogs have to encounter. Hawks swoop 

 down from the sky above upon them, and the coyote 

 or prairie wolf lies hidden behind their hillocks in 

 wait for them. One way of escape from their numer- 

 ous enemies is to be found in the great complexity 

 and extent of their burrows underground, rendering it 

 impossible even for man either to dig or drown them 

 out. Many of the towns of the prairie dog are built 

 in sterile and arid plains far from water, and it was 

 supposed the little animals could, like guinea pigs, do 

 without water, but when domesticated they drink 

 often and freely ; and it is now maintained that the 

 dogs actually dig wells, each community being sup- 

 plied with one that has a concealed entrance. 



Compass plant, tliat errows in the 



vicinity of prairie dopts' villafte, 



and whnse leaves always 



' ^^ extend east and west. 



