GILT-TAILLD DORMOUSE. 
of examining the Marmot, I am persuaded 
that it's blood, like that of the other sleepers, 
is cold; because it is subjecl to torpor during 
the winter. This torpid state continues as 
long as the causes bv which it is produced, 
and ceases with the cold. A few degrees of 
heat above 10 or 11, is sufficient to reanimate 
them : and, if kept in a warm place during the 
winter, they are never benumbed ; but go 
about, and eat and sleep, from time to time, 
like other animals. When they feel cold, they 
roll themselves up in the form of a ball ; in order 
to expose less surface to the air, and to pre- 
serve their natural warmdi. It is in this form 
that they are found, during the winter, in hol- 
low trees, and in holes of walls exposed to the 
south. There they lay, without the smallest 
motion, on moss and leaves; and, though even 
tossed about, ncitlier extend tliemselves, nor 
exhibit any signs of life. From this state no- 
thing can rouse them but the application of a 
gentle and gradual heat ; for thev die, when 
suddenly brought near a fire. Though, in 
this state, thev have no motion ; though their 
CN'es are shut, and they seem to be deprived of 
every sensation ; thev arc susceptible of acute 
pain. 
