Jump to content

Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 84.djvu/161

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
HIBERNATION
157

At such times the first visible indication of awakening was a more rapid and convulsive breathing. This was followed by slow and feeble movements like those of a helpless young animal. Finally he opened his eyes, then took a few steps and soon fully regained his powers of motion.

This awakening is well illustrated by the accompanying photographs, which are presented, not as good examples of the photographer's art, but as poor photographs representing a subject which I believe has never before been illustrated. I have not been able to duplicate the series, which was taken under difficulties, as the day was dark for indoor photography and I had to work in a cold room. In addition to this, I had no idea of getting anything more than a single picture of the sleeping animal when I began and hence was unprepared to take a series and had to work rapidly. The series covers a period of about twenty-five minutes.