BOBAK. 
State, a long sleep and cessation from food, 
the result of plenitude previous to it's com- 
mencement. They sometimes escape from 
confinement, find a retreat, and enjoy their 
winter's sleep r after which, they return to their 
owner in the spring ; but, usually, with a consi- 
derable diminution of their former crenrie man- 
ners. 
These animals attain to excessive fatness, 
aaid their fat is much employed in dressing 
and softening leather and fur. The skins are 
used by the Koreki, the people of Jakutks, and 
the Russians, for cloathing. The Calmucks 
take them in small nets, with large meshes, 
placed before their holes. The inhabitants of 
the Ukraine catch them in May or June, 
by pouring water into the holes, wliich forces 
them into the nets. In South Ru>sia, they 
are destroyed by means of a log ot wood 
with a weight at top ; the end being directed 
into a wooden box placed at the mouth of the 
hole, which falls as soon as the animal comes 
out, and confines it by the weight. Their flesh 
tastes like tliat of a Hare, but is ver^' rank. 
The Calmucks are exceedingly fond of these 
animals 
