BURROWING OWL. 
327 
the industrious marmot constructs, on the approach of the cold 
season, the comfortable cell for his winter’s sleep. This cell, 
which is composed of fine dry grass, is globular in form, with 
an opening at top capable of admitting the finger ; and the 
whole is so firmly compacted, that it might, without injury, be 
rolled over the floor. 
It is delightful, during fine weather, to see these lively 
little creatures sporting about the entrance of their burrows, 
which are always kept in the neatest repair, and are often in- 
habited by several individuals. When alarmed, they imme- 
diately take refuge in their subterranean chambers, or, if the 
dreaded danger be not immediately impending, they stand 
near the brink of the entrance, bravely barking and flourishing 
their tails, or else sit erect to reconnoitre the movements of the 
enemy. 
The mounds thrown up by the marmot in the neighbour- 
hood of the Rocky Mountains, have an appearance of greater 
antiquity than those observed on the far distant plains. They 
sometimes extend to several yards in diameter, although their 
elevation is trifling, and, except immediately surrounding the 
entrance, are clothed with a scanty herbage which always dis- 
tinguishes the area of these villages. Sometimes several vil- 
lages have been observed almost entirely destitute of vegeta- 
tion, and, recollecting that the marmot feeds exclusively on 
grasses and herbaceous plants, it seems singular that this ani- 
mal should always choose the most barren spot for the place of 
his abode. However this may be accounted for, it at least af- 
fords an opportunity of beholding the approach of his enemies, 
and allows him to seek, within the bosom of the earth, that 
security which he has neither strength nor arms to command. 
In all these prairie dog villages, the burrowing owl is seen 
moving briskly about, or else in small flocks scattered among 
the mounds, and, at a distance, it may be mistaken for the mar- 
mot itself, when sitting erect. They manifest but little timi- 
dity, and allow themselves to be approached sufficiently close 
for shooting ; but, if alarmed, some or all of them soar away. 
