The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-04-03

by the young of the vear-and which
are soon abandoned. 1 have frequently
been told of woodchuck Towns"
their sentinels. and well-organized for
aging expedit ons, but can only say
that have always found this solitary
species; perhaps in localities where
very numerous they may adopt other
habits.
The food of this marmot is very W
rious, consisting of grasses, shrubs,
seeds, roots and vegetables of many va
rietres: | have also reason to bel eve
that it devours insects and grubs.
Among cultivated plants it is most de-
structive to red clover. it being almost
impossible to grow it where the ground
hog is common. To the vegetable gar
den it is an occasional visitor, and does
some damage. Although | have fire.
quently read of the injury done by this
animal to grain, l have never been able
to get any Trustworthy account of the
damage done. or have | ever seen a
field OF wheat. rye or oats injured in the
least by it; & will make a hearty meal
eff corn-iield, however, when other
feod is not plentiful.
The woodchuck is good swimmer,
and takes to the water readily; l have
the skull of large male, weigh
ing nearly eleven pounds, which,
was killed by friend from a bOst,
while swimming lake above Il quarter
of a m lie in width. Rocky. weil-woOdei
hills are rs favorite retreats, and the
old males are fond of taking a position
on some exposed rock. sitting on their
launches and apparently acting assem-
tinels. while their families GO in search
of food: for this last. however, 1 can
not youch, as l have surprised the
sentinel" evidently asleep, and he
may have been only enjoying his favor
lite sun-bath.
MANY modes are used for the dispos-
ing of the woodchuck. and periodically
the rural press is deiuged with direc-
tons for numbering the unfortunate
.Arctonys. From being much chased.
trapped and tormented, it has become
a very cunning animal, and is not cas-
ily captured or killed. there are sew
eral methods Of absolutely exterminat-
ing this animal frosn any limited dis
trict, but of these it is not necessary to
OF torture. The steel trap carefully sat
among leaves and grass. and baitcd
with handful of red clover. which Is
better lightly tied te bush about a
foot directly above the trap. or with a
sweet apple or a potato, the dead fall,
made with heavy log auda figure of
T." and allowed to set for days before
being baited. and the gun. are quite
sufficient to keep down the numbers of
this handsome animal.
Although this is not letter adj
dressed to ,sportsmen. perhaps few
words in regard to shoot nc the
ground hog may not be out of place.
have often wondered why this animal
has never been considered game" its
large size, the difficulty of getting a
shot at it. and its general activity
and cunning. should endea. il
to the gunner. The flesh of young
woodchuck is also excellent eatrg.
and the strong. durable pelts of the
old individuals make handsome rugs
and lap robes. stalk ng' is the
method best adapted for shooting
this marmot. In the early morning
or in the evening while the "hOgsh
are abroad. cautious approach il
made to their burrows. the hunter con
cealing himself as much As posS. bic,
and taking the precaut on to adj
vance up wind. Where the animals
may have been much moIested. it is
often very difficult to get within
shotgun range. and a light rifle is
bv far the better weapon. Once
within range victim is selected and
shot Just behind the shoulder. as he
runs around feeding or playing. A
sharp whistle will often cause the
marmots to rear upon their launches to
look around. and so afford 4 good shot.
They may also be approached while
intent on a wel-known feeding ground.
in the same manner. and will then af-
ford good running shots as they .'strCak
it, for their burrows: or. they may be
killed as they stop for an instant to lis
ten during their retreat.
The woodchuck is perfectly tameab(e
when captured at an early age. and
shows much intelligence in captivity.
All the members of this genus become
very tame, and may be taught May
tricks. The Swiss peasant boys TAME
the Alpine mar1not (Arctomys mar
motta). and teach it tn dance and per.
form various antics. This species lives
high up in the snowy regions of the
Alps. generally selecting exposed cliffs
for its home. in order to have a clear
view of approach ng danger. A num-
Der of individuals are usually found To
gether, and the sharp whistle of alarm,
known to all Alpine climb from one
of them. sets the whole community
scampering for their burrows. This mar-
mot Ives upon Alpine plants. and passi:
the winter n torpid condition. ten al
fifteen animals gathering in single,
large. rounded burrow. well lined with
dried grass. Their fur is used to make
various cheap robes. and their flesh,
though not as good As that of our mar
mot. is eaten by the peasants--Ratp'
Sc;ss, in Country Gentleman.