Final answer:
Linus is not directly mentioned in the provided text, but the narrative suggests a survival situation in a cold environment where warmth and the ability to create fire are crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the passage, we can infer that Linus is in a survival situation in an extremely cold environment. When Linus catches snowflakes, he is likely experiencing a need for warmth and shelter, as the text describes a character struggling to stay warm and fed in the icy wilderness. The reference to tobacco and an ice muzzle, as well as the detailed description of trying to keep biscuits from freezing, suggests that warmth and the means to create fire are critical in his situation.
The excerpts provided seem to come from a narrative about a man's battle against severe cold in the wilderness, and are likely from a piece of fiction that deals with themes of survival and the power of nature. It does not directly mention Linus catching snowflakes on his tongue, but it provides a backdrop of how harsh the conditions are, which might lead to the conclusion that warmth and survival are what the snowflakes 'need' in a metaphorical sense.