FEB., 1912. MAMMALS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CORY. 385 



taken of their inquisitiveness, by walking slowly around the tree, and 

 inducing the animal to draw its body entirely out of the hole, in order 

 to keep the object of its curiosity in view. When quite out, a well- 

 directed shot brings it to the ground. 



"The marten prefers the densest woods in mountainous districts, 

 and exhibits no liking for water. It is said that in the far North it 

 preys on mice, hares, and grouse, and in summer on small birds, eggs, 

 etc., and that it does not reject carrion. Like the fisher, it is often 

 troublesome in winter by destroying the hoards of meat and fish laid 

 up by the natives, whenever a crevice is accidentally left by which it 

 can enter. It is stated that it also feeds upon insects and reptiles, and, 

 like the bear, is fond of honey. It is also affirmed that it has been 

 known to eat nuts and berries; but there is doubt, at least, if it ever 

 subsists habitually on any other than animal food. It feeds much 

 upon squirrels, which it pursues and captures on the trees, following 

 them into their holes." (1. c., p. 243.) 



Mr. Gerrit S. Miller, Jr., writes: "At Nepigon a trapper told me that 

 martens, wherever they occur in sufficient numbers, so terrorize the 

 red squirrels by constant persecution that the noisy rodents, learning 

 that silence is their best protection, stop chattering. Hence an abun- 

 dance of silent squirrels is according to my 'informant at least a 

 certain indication that marten fur is plenty" (/. c., p. 42). 



It is claimed that Martens are both nocturnal and diurnal in habits. 

 The nest is usually in a hollow tree, but occasionally a burrow in the 

 ground. The young are born late in April or early in May and number 

 from i to 5, usually 3 or 4. The odoriferous anal glands of this animal 

 are analogous to those of the weasels. 



Great numbers of Martens are annually trapped for their skins. 

 The fur is handsome and valuable and is popularly known as American 

 Sable. 



All Sables are Martens of some species and furriers have various 

 trade names of their own to indicate shades of color. The most 

 valuable fur furnished by a member of this group of mammals is that 

 of the Asiatic Sable (Mustela zibellina) , and the finest skins come from 

 Kamchatka and Russian Poland. 



Specimens examined from Illinois and Wisconsin: 

 Wisconsin Florence Co., i; Star Lake, Vilas Co. (skull), i; (O. C.) 



Fisher Lake, Iron Co. (skull), i; Drummond, Bayfield Co. (skull), 



1 = 4. 

 "Illinois" Skeleton, i. (In Chicago Academy of Sciences.) 



