122 MAMMALIA-POLECAT. 



is arched, the tail low and bushy ; the legs thick and short ; and the whole 

 aspect of the animal indicates strength without much activity. The fur 

 bears a great similarity to that of the black bear, but is not so long, nor 

 of so much value. 



The wolverene is a carnivorous animal, which feeds chiefly upon the 

 carcasses of beasts that have been killed by accident. It has great strength, 

 and annoys the natives by destroying their hoards of provision, and demo- 

 lisjiing their marten traps. It is so suspicious, that it will rarely enter a 

 trap itself, but beginning behind, pulls it to pieces, scatters the logs of which 

 it is built, and then carries off the bait. It feeds also on meadow mice, 

 marmots, and other rodentia, and occasionally on disabled quadrupeds of a 

 larger size. We have seen one chasing an American hare, which was at 

 the same time harassed by a snowy owl. It resembles 'he bear in its gait, 

 and is not fleet ; but it is very industrious, and no doubt feeds well, as it is 

 generally fat. It is much abroad in the winter, and the track of its journey 

 in a single night may be traced for many miles. 



This animal inhabits northern Europe and America. It is about the size 

 of the badger. The above description is from Dr Richardson. 



THE POLECAT* 



h about seventeen inches in length ; of a deep chocolate color, nearly ap- 

 proaching to black ; has short ears, tipped with white, and the tail is cover- 

 ed with longish hair. In summer he generally lives in woods, thick brakes, 

 or rabbit warrens. His burrow is about two yards deep, and commonly 

 ends under the root of a tree. In winter, he haunts barns, hay-lofts, and 

 other out-houses, whence he sallies forth on the poultry. 



When heated, or enraged especially, it sends forth and diffuses a stench 

 that is absolutely intolerable. The dogs will not eat its flesh ; and even its 

 skin, though good in itself, sells at a very low price, as it can never be 

 entirely divested of its natural odor. 



These animals are very destructive to young game of all kinds, and com- 

 mit dreadful devastations among pigeons when they get into a pigeon-house. 

 Without making so much noise as the weasel, they do a great deal more 

 mischief; dispatching each victim with a single wound in the head, and 

 satiating themselves with copious draughts of blood, after which they carry 

 off the prey : or if the aperture by which they entered will not admit of this, 

 they first eat the brains, and then carry away the head, leaving the body 

 behind. They are also extremely fond of honey, and are frequently known, 



1 Mustela putorius, Lin. Tlie genus Mustela has six upper and six lower incisors ; two 

 upper and two lower canines ; eight or ten upper and ten or twelve lower molars. Body 

 elongated ; head small and oval ; ears short and round ; legs short ; feet pentadactyle, 

 armed with sharp, hooked claws. No anal pouch. 



