ANIMALS OP NORTH AMERICA. 
69 
field mouse ; but its usual mode of progression is very differ- 
ent. Sometimes running on all fours, it more commonly 
moves by leaping on its bind legs, particularly when pursued. 
Its bind legs are more than twice the length of the fore ones ; 
In this respect it resembles the Jerboa of Europe. 
Mr. Booth, of Orange County, Hew York, gives the follow- 
ing description of this almost unknown little animal : — “ In 
cross ploughing some years ago, my attention was taken up 
by seeing something move off from near my plough-share, 
over ridges and furrows, bearing some resemblance to an 
old withered oak leaf. I pursued it, when it proved to be 
°ne of the above — a female, with four young ones attached 
to its teats.” He says, also from observation, they are 
never seen in clear daylight, unless disturbed.” 
The Labrador Jumping Mouse QMeriones Americus or 
Mus Leucopus ), found only in Labrador and the Hudson Bay 
territory, completes this family as far as known ; but probably 
the field for discovery among them is not exhausted. 
The Marmot tribe is represented in America, first by The 
Common Woodchuck (Aretomyx Monax ) , sometimes called 
the Ground-hog, or Maryland Marmot. This animal when feed- 
ing, frequently rises on its haunches to reconnoitre, raising its 
fore feet like hands. In this position, when the weather is 
fine, it will sometimes sit for hours at the entrance of its hole. 
