Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1878 — Prairie Dogs. [ARTICLE]

Prairie Dogs.

It has always been a subject of curiosity and inquiry as to how and where prairie dogs, living on the prairie far away from any river or stream, obtain their water. Mr. F. Leech, formerly of Mercer county, Pa., and a frontiersman of experience, asserts that the dogs dig their own wells, each village having one with a concealed opening. It matters not how far down the water may be, the dogs will keep on digging until they reach it. He knows of one such well 200 feet deep, and having a circular staircase leading down to the water. Every time a dog wants a drink he descends the staircase, which, considering the distance, is no mean task. In digging for water the animals display as much pluck as in resisting the efforts of settlers to expel them from the land of their progenitors.

Awards to America at Paris.—The cable announces the prizes won at Paris in fifteen classes es the American section. E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. receive in Class 15 the highest and only award to any scale manufacturer. •