Reischek. — On the Polecat, Ferret, Mongoose, etc. Ill 



and, instead of attempting to escape, they defended themselves 

 in a most plucky and aggressive manner, by biting at my boots 

 and stick, until I bad destroyed the last. Their movements are 

 active, and they are good climbers, swimmers, and divers. The 

 female, after a period of two months, brings forth from three to 

 six young, which are full-grown in about four months. 



Putorius furo. — Ferret. 



Tbese animals belong to the same class as the former, but 

 are smaller in size and more delicate in organisation, and cannot 

 stand cold climates. They were reared in confinement in 

 ancient times, and are mentioned by Pliny. They are now used 

 for destroying rabbits and rats ; but they are almost as destruc- 

 tive as their ally the polecat to small animals, birds and their 

 eggs. They increase rapidly, having from four to eight young 

 at a time. 



Herpestes ichneumon. — Mongoose (Pharoahan Rat). 



These animals are useful in destroying snakes and vermin, 

 but are very destructive to domestic and wild birds and their 

 eggs, besides killing animals much larger than themselves 

 through their cunning and activity. They destroy more than 

 they eat, in most cases merely sucking the blood and devouring 

 the brain. The Arabs and Egyptians hunt and destroy them at 

 every opportunity. They are common in Africa, Egypt, and 

 Barbary, inhabiting the lowlands, and generally near rivers, 

 where they conceal themselves in burrows or thick undergrowth, 

 from which they watch for their prey. There are several 

 varieties and species belonging to this genus, whose habits are 

 similar to the species already described. 



Mustela erminea. — Stoat, or Large Weasel. 



This animal when full grown is about 14 inches in length, 

 with a very slender body and short legs. The colour in summer 

 is a reddish brown ; throat, under-part, and inside the legs, 

 white. In winter it changes to white, except the black brush 

 on the tail. I have shot, on several occasions, piebald and 

 spotted ones. They are very active, day and night ; are expert 

 in climbing, swimming, and even diving. Pursuing their prey 

 stealtbily, they make a final spring to secure it. I do not know 

 any animal pluckier or more vicious than these : they attack 

 and overpower animals three times their own size. If one 

 cannot master its prey, on its making a hissing noise others 

 come to its assistance to conquer the victim, biting at its throat 

 till it succumbs. They even attack children, if they interfere 

 with them. They are useful in destroying rats and mice, but do 

 great harm amongst poultry, small animals, birds and their 

 eggs. I know cases where they killed every fowl about the 

 house, and pigeon in the cots, in one night. 



