e.xdlich.1 SWEETWATER DISTRICT GAME. 63 



colonies. They are very hard to kill, and "show fight" to their last 

 breath. The red fox was observed a number of times on Sweetwater 

 Biver, watching for young sage-hens. Black martens, or fishers (Mus- 

 tela pennanti), were seen on the same stream. Typical for the low, sandy 

 country, and its accompanying sage-brush and cactus, are the prairie 

 dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)^ replaced in similar resorts in the mount- 

 ains by the distinct G. columbiamis. Living in more or less extensive 

 settlements, both these animals always appear to be busy running from 

 one hole to another. A small brown owl (Speotyto cunicularia var. Jiypo- 

 gcca) lives in the same settlement with them and appropriates such holes 

 as have been abandoned. In the same regions we find many specimens 

 of the little striped and spotted gopher (Spermophilus 13-lineatus), a most 

 graceful animal. Less agreeable to the traveler is the rattlesnake (Gro- 

 talus coitfluenius), which occurs often in very large numbers in these dry 

 localities. 



Sand-hill cranes (Gnis canadensis) and a few specimens of the blue 

 heron (Ardea lierodias) were seen on the Sweetwater Eiver. They are 

 exceedingly shy, and it requires patient labor to get within good rifle- 

 shot of them. 



