240 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE.

FIRS UMeeet: Marmots are found in the northern parts cf
The Bobak. both the old and the new worlds. The Bobak
The Prairie belongs to southern Russia, the Prairie Dog to
ass North America and the Woodchuck to Canada.
The marmot is easily tamed and is familiar to many from
being made the companion of itinerant Savoyards who exhibit
them when asking alms. The Bobak is also readily amen-
able to kindness. All these animals live in burrows and are
exceedingly interesting in their habits. The anomalure is a
squirrel with a membranous skin resembling to some extent
that of the flying squirrels and used by it for the same pur-
pose. It belongs to Fernando Po.
The The Chinchilla is about nine inches long, its
Chinchilla. tail being about five inches. Its eyes are full,
like those of the rabbit, its hind legs are long, its fore ones
short. It sits upon its haunches, and takes its food in its
fore paws. It is found in Chili and Peru, and inhabits the
open country, living in burrows, and subsisting on the roots
of bulbous plants, which are abundant in those regions.
Great numbers of them are killed for their skins, which furnish
the most delicate and beautiful of furs. The Alpine Viscacha
and the Viscacha of the Pampas, are included in the same
family.
The The Porcupine is found throughout Africa and
Poreupine. southern Asia and also in the south of Europe.
“Less completely covered with weapons of defence than the
hedgehog,” says Captain Brown, “the porcupine possesses
them in greater strength, for its formidable quills are capable
of inflicting severe wounds. When irritated or in danger it
raises its quills on its back; but it is though fretful, not fierce
in disposition but easily tamed.” When comered the por-
cupine turns its back to its assailant, who usually wounds
himself by coming in contact with the quills. The porcupine
lives in burrows by itself; it is a lonely animal. The Cavies
and the Agouti of America are classified with this family.