PRAIRIE DOG, Arctomys Ludavicianus, a very interesting species of marmot (q.v,), an inhabitant of sonic of the western prairies (q.v.) of North America. It is about the size of a squirrel or large rat; and has soft, reddish-gray fur, each hair being red with a white tip. The name prairie dog seems to have been given to it from its frequent utter ance of a sound somewhat like the bark of a very young puppy: For the same reason, it is also called the barking squirrel. A more correct name would be barking marmot, or prairie marmot. The prairie dog does not inhabit the rich grass-covered prairica -where the buffalo (bison) abounds; but those which, for want of water, exhibit a compar atively scanty vegetation; and in these it is to be found in vast numbers, being gregari ous in its habits, burrowing in the ground, and throwing up mounds of earth, on the summit of which the little creature often sits as if on watch. The whole extent of a great level prairie is often covered with these hillocks. "Their number is incredible," says the honorable C. A. Murray, in his Travels in North America, their cities, for
they deserve no less the name, full of activity and bustle." As soon as the hand is raised to a weapon or missile, they pop into their holes, with amazing rapidity, and then wheel round and look out at the enemy. Still more interesting is the frequent association of the prairie dog with the burrowing owl and the rattlesnake in the same burrow; an association which has been variously described as one of strange friendship among very different creatures, in a state of nature; and as of the most opposite character, the owl and the rattlesnake being supposed to prey upon the prairie dog and its young. But in so far as the owl is concerned, this is rendered very doubtful by the fact, that its casts seem to show its food to consist entirely of insects. It probably finds the burrows of the marmots its only convenient retreat, and their proper inmates harmless neighbors.