224 
THE MARMOT. 
The marmots, like the beavers, dwell to- 
gether, and work in common in the constructioii 
of their habitations, where they pass three- 
fourths of their lives. Thither they retir® 
during rain, or on the approach of danger 
never going out but in fine weather, and thei^ 
to no great distance. One of them stands 
sentinel on a rock, while the others sport upoi^ 
the grass or cut it for hay. If the sentinel pet' 
ceives a man, a dog, an eagle, or any object 
from w'hich danger may be apprehended, h^ 
instantly gives the alarm by a loud whistle? 
and is himself the last that enters the hole- 
Having a quick eye, he discovers an enemy 
a considerable distance. 
The marmot never does the least injury to 
any other animal. He flees when pursued? 
and, when apprehensive of danger, w^hole f®' 
milies quit their dwellings and wander froiO 
hill to hill, though they have in consequence 
new habitations to construct. But when flight 
