36 HABITS OF THE FITCHET WEASEL. 



eluding many digressions it had made from its more direct path. This was 

 about the end of March. In some of the northern counties of England, 

 the Fitchet is a grand object of chace amongst those who may not " try at 

 higher game," and indeed by many who are above this order of sportsmen, 

 Fitchet-hunting is esteemed excellent sport. It is from having joined in such 

 a pursuit, that I can speak positively with regard to the great distances they 

 will travel in a night. 



The Fitchet is said to have a change of residence for Summer and Winter ; 

 inhabiting during the fine months the wild moors and secluded woods, and 

 coming in the cold season to the farm-yards and barns of the husbandman. 

 From what I have been able to observe, 1 do not think that so general a mi- 

 gration takes place as is supposed, but that where it has a haunt, it resides 

 somewhere near to it both winter and summer. 



One reason why it may be considered to take up its abode about farm- 

 houses during the winter-season, may be, that then its presence is sooner 

 noticed, from the traces it leaves upon the snow. Nor do I think that it ever 

 has a regular lodging in stack-yards or barns. I have never found it so, but 

 have often traced it from some distance to such places, and always found 

 it return to the spot whence it came. In the summer season it has probably 

 no occasion to seek food in such places, that being then more easily procured 

 about the fields in open weather. I have often thought that this animal is 

 more plentiful than it would seem to be, did we judge from the few that are 

 generally seen. In one part of Northumberland, a few years ago, upwards of 

 forty were killed during one winter, within a space of eight or ten miles 

 diameter, by hunting them with terriers, and by one or two individuals. More 

 might have been destroyed which I did not hear of. 



Bewick says, that this animal during the winter has a mode of procuring 

 subsistence which has hitherto escaped the observation of naturalists, and 

 which, though singular, he can vouch for the truth of. In a severe storm, one 

 of these animals was traced in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, 

 at some distance from the stream. As it was observed to have made frequent 

 trips, and as other marks were seen which could not easily be accounted for, 

 it was thought worthy of greater attention. Its hole was accordingly exa- 

 mined, the Fitchet taken, and eleven fine Eels were discovered to be the fruit 

 of its nocturnal excursions. He observes, that "it may be a matter of curious 

 investigation for future naturalists, to enquire by what art this wily animal 

 finds its booty, so apparently difficult to obtain." I have often traced the 

 Fitchet along the edges of streams and rivulets, and anxiously endeavoured 

 to witness a repetition of this fact, mentioned by Bewick ; but though I have 

 examined many holes, from which Fitchets have been taken, I have never 



