r, at
length perished. After several days of suffering, during which I never
forsook her, her eyes, constantly fixed on me, were at length
extinguished; and her loss rent my heart with sorrow."

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXV.

Division of Labour.

The Alpine marmots are said to act in concert in the collection of
materials for the construction of their habitations. Some of them, we are
told, cut the herbage, others collect it into heaps; a third set serve as
waggons to carry it to their holes; while others perform all the functions
of draught horses. The manner of the latter part of the curious process is
this. The animal who is to serve as the waggon lies down on his back, and
extending his four limbs as wide as he can, allows himself to be loaded
with hay; and those who are to be the draught horses trail him thus loaded
by the tail, taking care not to overset him. The task of thus serving as
the vehicle being evidently the least enviable part of the business, is
taken by every one of the party in turn.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXVI.

Crab Fishing.

The following is an instance of the extraordinary cunning manifested by
the Racoon. It is fond of crabs, and when in quest of them, will stand by
the side of a swamp, and hang its tail over into the water; the crabs,
mistaking it for food, are sure to lay hold of it; and as soon as the
beast feels them pinch, he pulls them out with a sudden jerk. He then
takes them to a little distance from the water's edge; and in devouring
them, is careful to get them crossways in his mouth, lest he should suffer
from their nippers.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXVII.

Rare Honesty.

A mastiff dog, who owed more to the bounty of a neighbour than to his
master, was once locked by mistake in the well-stored pantry of his
benefactor for a whole day, where milk, butter, bread, and meat, within
his reach, were in abundance. On the return of the servant to the pantry,
seeing the dog come out, and knowing the time he had been confined, she
trembled for the devastation which her negligence must have occasioned;
but on close examination, it was found that the honest creature had not
tasted of anything, although, on coming out, he fell on a bone that was
given to him, with all the voraciousness of hunger.

[Illustration]

ANECDOTE LXXVIII.

Of Two Evils Choosing the Least.

A French dog was taught by his master to execute various commissions, a