358 
VEETEBEATA. 
THE EUEOPEAN MAEMOT. 
state, until the Avarra sun of April calls them to activity. They are playful in disposition, but 
when angry, or before a coming storm, tbey utter a shrill, piercing Avhistle. 
The marmot of the Alps is easily tamed ; and, in a domestic state, it is a very docile, gentle, 
and intelligent creature, and may be taught many little tricks, all of vs^hich are amusing, and none 
of them offensive. It is a common pet, and especially with tlie young Savoyards, who often travel 
to diflFerent parts of Europe, picking up a comfortable living by showing off the humors of one of 
these creatures and singing their native songs. On all the great thoroughfares of the cities of 
continental Europe — Paris, Vienna, Berlin — these Swiss showmen may be seen, and appear to be 
always welcome to the populace. Some of them acquire money enough to return to their moun- 
tain homes and live in rustic comfort for the rest of their days. 
This species are not so productive as some of the otber rodentia, there being only one litter in 
tlie year, each litter consisting, in general, of three or four; but the animals are subject to fewer 
casualties than one would suppose, in the cold places which they inhabit, and where the keen 
eyes of eagles and vultures and other powerful birds of prey may be supposed to be frequently 
upon them. They are very vigilant; and it is understood that Avhen they are engaged in their 
labors, they always have a sentinel |)osted on some rock or other eminence, who keeps careful 
watch, gives notice of danger before it is near, and has bimself some little plac« into Avhich he can 
retii'e and remain till the danger is over. 
The Polish Marmot, or Bobac, A. hobac, is nearly of the same size with the former, but is 
different in color. The general hue is yellowish-gray, mottled with brownish-black, with the 
under part of the body yellowish-russet, and the throat and tail reddish. A jjortion round the eyes 
is brown ; and that round the muzzle is silver -gray. It is to be remarked, however, that there 
is a variety which is nearly black. Many of the skins come to the European markets from Odessa. 
The native localities of this species are further to the north than those of the marmot of the 
Alps ; for it is found from Poland to Kamtschatka, and thence to the south as far as Thibet. It 
does not inhabit such elevated places, however, as the Alpine marmot ; and, therefore, though it 
is found in higher latitudes, it does not follow that it is in a colder climate. It is also cai'eful in 
selecting the exposure of the situation in which it forms its burroAV, and also in the kind of soil 
in which it is made. It always builds or burrows in a bank sloping to the south, and in dry soil. 
The burrow is deep, and lodges a colony of from twenty to fifty individuals. The quantity of 
dried grass introduced into these social burrows is very great ; and they are said to be very indus- 
trious in their labors. 
