Note 71 — Chapter VI

I have more than once discussed the identity of this animal with Indian traders. None of them recognised it, nor, indeed, were acquainted with the animal by the name Jewitt applies to it. It is, however, not unlikely the North-Western marmot (Arctomys pruinosus), specimens of which are now and then—though, it must be admitted, rarely—seen in Vancouver Island; but it is more common farther south. The Alberni Indians (Seshahts and Opechesahts) used to talk of a beast called Sit-si-tehl, which we took to be the marmot, and Mr. Sproat saw one; I was not so fortunate.