528 



GRISON. 



FIG. LXXIV. GRISON (GALICTIS) CANASTER. NELSON'S GRISON. 



No. 6420 Mus. Comp. Zool. Coll. 



outer side, 9; length of mandible, 47; height at condyle, 10; at coro- 

 noid process, 23; length of lower tooth row, 23. (Specimen from 

 Orizaba, Mexico, Coll. Mus. Comp. Zool. Cambridge, Mass.) 



The genus PUTORIUS is a large one, and contains the true Weasels, 

 Ferrets, and Mink, and is divided into several sections having sub- 

 generic values. The largest number of species are included in the 

 true Weasels here placed under the subgeneric term, Arctogale, the 

 members of which living in boreal regions turn white in winter. 

 Great difference is observable in size between males and females, the 

 latter being very much smaller. The Arctic weasel is valued for its 

 fur, which is the well-known ermine of commerce. The weasel is 

 remarkable for its long, sinuous body and neck, flat serpentlike head, 

 short legs, and a moderately long tail. It is wonderfully quick in 

 its movements, and in the pursuit of its quarry is able to enter any 

 hole or penetrate any underground gallery in which its prey may 

 have sought refuge, the lithe, flexible body accommodating itself to 

 all the twists and turns met with. Possessed of good sight, it follows 

 a fleeing animal at full speed, but when its prey is lost to view it then 

 tracks it by its keen scent, exhibiting all the tactics of the well- 

 trained hound, doubling on its course and following every movement 

 of the creature hunted, and when the track is momentarily lost, 

 making wide circles in order to strike it again. In the chase of any 

 animal the weasel is indefatigable, and few escape its relentless pur- 



