186 NATURAL HISTORY. 



A LIST OF 



ANIMALS AND EEPTILES 



niTHEBXO OBSERVED 



IN THE ISLE OF PURBECK. 



CLASS L — MAMMALIA. 



ORDER L — FER^. 



Badger, Meles Taocus. 



This aninial appears to have been abundant in the Island 

 at a comparatively recent date, and is by no means un- 

 common at the present time. There were several in a 

 wood at Dunsay in the summer of 1855. They are 

 frequently observed at Kimmeridge. One was killed at 

 Arne, and two at West Hill in the year 1852; and a 

 third at the latter place in March, 1858, in which month 

 an old female also was killed in the Grange woods, and 

 presented to the Corfe Castle Museum. In the year 

 1856, one frequented the Rectory garden at Studland; 

 and in 1857, one was seen by the Rev. G. V. Garland, 

 near WhitecliiF. 



Polecat, Mustela Putorius. 

 Common, formerly. 



Weasel. Mustela vulgaris. 



Common in the woody districts. The female is known by 

 the name of ' Beal.' See White's History of Selborne. 



