THE MARMOT. 
225 
impossible, they obstinately defend them- 
selves with teeth and claws against the attacks 
even men and dogs. 
The marmots make no provision for their 
Subsistence during the winter, as if aware that 
they should not need any. On the approach 
ef that season, they close up the two entrances 
to their habitation with such solidity that it 
Is easier to break up the earth in any other 
place. They are then so fat as sometimes to 
'''eigh twenty pounds. They remain torpid 
tor seven or eight months, gradually diminish- 
^Ug in bulk, till by the end of winter they be- 
come quite meagre. The hunters, who make 
^ business of taking these animals on account 
l^oth of their flesh and their skins, leave them 
^Udisturbed till the weather has become very 
Severe; when they are found asleep in their 
^otreats, rolled up like balls, and covered with 
tiay. 
When taken young, the marmot is easily 
VOL. II, Q 
