TAWNY LEMMING. 
85 
hairs are more numerous, and the colour of those parts is mingled black 
and orange. Nose, grayish-brown ; sides of the face, pale orange ; mar- 
gins of the upper lip, white ; tail, coloured like the body ; feet, brownish. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. Lines. 
Length of head and body, 4 6 
“ tail, 7 
head, 1 6 
Hind feet to end of claw, ------ 8 
Fore feet and claws, 4} 
HABITS. 
Mr. Drummond, who obtained this animal, procured no further infor- 
mation in regard to its habits than that it was found in Alpine swamps. 
It bears a strong resemblance to the Norway Lemming, and we may 
presume does not differ widely from that species in its habits, which it is 
said are migratory to a surprising extent, and about which some curious 
stories are related that we do not consider necessary to place in our work. 
This Lemming is one of those animals we have never seen except the 
stuffed specimens. Our figure was drawn in London by J. W. Audubon 
from the original skin procured by Mr. Drummond. 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 
This animal was found in lat. 56°, in mountainous yet moist places, in 
the northwest. We have not heard of its existence in any other locality, 
but have no doubt it has a pretty extensive northern range. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
The Lemmings have been arranged by authors, Cuvier, Illiger, and 
others, under a distinct subgenus — Georychus. 
They are characterized chiefly by the shortness of the ears and tail, and 
large strong claws, remarkably well fitted for digging ; this subgenus, how- 
ever, so nearly approaches the Arvicola in some of its species that it is 
difficult to decide in which genus they should really be placed. 
