328 
DON COSSACKS. 
CHAP. 
XII. 
peasants universally give them the name of 
Washy. They told us, that in the month of 
September their tame suro/ies retire to some 
hiding-place, and do not make their appearance 
again before the beginning of April. They 
either descend into some burrow, or conceal 
themselves where they may remain the least 
liable to observation, and sleep during the 
whole winter. To awaken them, during the 
season of their somnolency, materially injures 
their health, and sometimes kills them. They 
are most destructive animals; for they will gnaw 
every thing they find in their way; shoes, 
books, wooden planks, and all kinds of roots, 
fruit, or vegetables. They made havoc with the 
lining of our carriage; which was of morocco 
leather. As soon as they have done eating, 
they become so drowsy, that they even fall 
asleep in your hands, in any posture or situation, 
or under any circumstances of jolting noise or 
motion. When awake, they are very active; 
and they surpass every other animal in the 
rapidity with which they burrow in the earth. 
They resemble guinea-pigs in making a grunting 
noise; and when surprised, or much pleased, 
or in any degree frightened, they utter loud 
and short squeaks, resembling the sound of a 
person whistling. 
