THE ALPINE MARMOT. 109

their burrows, which are formed in the
shape of the letter Y, and well lined with
moss and hay. They remain in these re-
treats, in a torpid state, from the autumn
till April. They are easily tamed. The
Quebec Marmot inhabits the northern
part of the American continent. It ap-
pears to be a solitary animal, dwells in
burrows in the earth, but has no faculty
of climbing trees. Its burrows are almost
straight, and situated in dry spots, at
some distance from the water. When fat,
it is sometimes eaten. Its fur is of no
value.