64 FAUNA AMERICANA. 



though both have a common name, and there ex- 

 ists much resemblance in their natural habits." 



The specimen here described, was obtained 

 and prepared by Mr. C. W. Peale many years 

 ago, in Maryland. 



Char. Essent. General colour brownish white, 

 lightest beneath ; tail ferruginous brown ; length 

 of the animal nearly double that of the " liitreola.^' 



Dimensions. Total length, one foot eight inches ; 

 length of the tail, about nine inches. 



Description. In form, the head and ears re- 

 semble those of the otter ; the hair, the tail, and 

 general proportion of the body, are more analogous 

 to those of the weasel ; body long ; feet short ; 

 toes united to the middle, of equal length, slightly 

 palmated, and furnished with very small sharp 

 nails, nearly covered with hair. 



Habit. According to Warden, this animal re- 

 sides in the ground near to streams, in which it 

 pursues its prey, consisting of fish, aquatic birds, 

 rats, mice, insects, moles, and eggs of tortoises ; 

 during the night, entering the farm yards and de- 

 stroying poultry; when famished it demonstrates 

 astonishing boldness. 



Inhabits the United States. 



Note. — Mustela lutreola, Sab. append, to Frank- 

 lin's, Exped. p. 649, was described by Foster, 

 (Philos. Trans.) as the same with the European. 



M. Zibellina, (Sable iveasel) Linn. Erxleb. 



