THE WICKED WEASEL. 6 97 



The results I have presented to you are mainly derived from per- 

 sonal observation ; and, since a large part of the higher vertebrate 

 remains hitherto found in this country have passed through my hands, 

 I am willing to assume full responsibility for my presentation of the 

 subject. 



For our present knowledge of the extinct Mammals, Birds, and 

 Reptiles of North America, science is especially indebted to Leidy, 

 whose careful, conscientious work has laid a secure foundation for 

 our vertebrate paleontology. The energy of Cope has brought to 

 notice many strange forms, and greatly enlarged our literature. Agas- 

 siz, Owen, Wyman, Baird, Hitchcock, Deane, Emmons, Lea, Allen, 

 Gibbes, Jefferson, DeKay, and Harlan, deserve honorable mention in 

 the history of this branch of science. The South American extinct 

 Vertebrates have been described by Lund, Owen, Burmeister, Gervais, 

 Huxley, Flower, Desmarest, Aymard, Pictet, and Nodot. Darwin and 

 Wallace have likewise contributed valuable information on this sub- 

 ject, as they have on nearly all forms of life. 



In this long history of ancient life I have said nothing of what 

 Life itself really is and for the best of reasons because I know 

 nothing. Here, at present, our ignorance is dense, and yet we need 

 not despair. Light, Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism, Chemical Affin- 

 ity, and Motion, are now considered different forms of the same force ; 

 and the opinion is rapidly gaining ground that Life, or vital force, is 

 only another phase of the same power. Possibly the great mystery 

 of Life may thus be solved, but, whether it be or not, a true faith in 

 science knows no limit to its search for Truth. 



-- 



THE WICKED WEASEL. 



THERE are other enemies of game-life besides human poachers 

 whose numbers must be kept within bounds to insure success- 

 ful sport. The thirst of the weasel for blood is insatiable, and it is 

 curious to watch the persistency with which he will hunt down the 

 particular rabbit he has singled out for destruction. Through the 

 winding subterranean galleries of the " buries " with their cross- 

 passages, "blind" holes and "pop" holes (i. e., those which end in 

 undisturbed soil, and those which are simply bored from one side of 

 the bank to the other, being only used for temporary concealment), 

 never once in the dark, close caverns losing sight or scent of his vic- 

 tim, he pursues it with a species of eager patience. It is generally a 

 long chase. The rabbit makes a dash ahead, and a double or two, 

 and then halts, usually at the mouth of a hole; perhaps to breathe. 



