70 
BURROWING OWL. 
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 inhabited by seve¬ 
ral individuals. W r hen alarmed they immediately 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 neighbourhood 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 distinguishes the area 
of these villages. Sometimes several villages have been observed 
almost entirely destitute of vegetation, and recollecting that the 
Marmot feeds exclusively on grasses and herbaceous plants, it 
seems singular that this animal should always choose the most 
barren spot for the place of his abode. However this may be 
accounted for, it at least affords 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 Marmot 
itself, when sitting erect. They manifest but little timidity, and 
allow themselves to be approached sufficiently close for shooting; 
but if alarmed, some or all of them soar away, and settle down 
again at a short distance; if further disturbed, their flight is con- 
