44 QUADRUPEDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



in. t'thg. 



Height at tlie zygomatic arch, . . . . 8 



Length of the lower jaw, . . . . .13 



Width, ....... 12 



Observations. The legs of the Mink are shorter, in proportion 

 to the size and length of the body, than those of the Weasel. It 

 is intimately related to the Otter in its form, depressed skull, 

 webbed feet, thick tail, and in its habits, &c. It is common in 

 Massachusetts ; it is found in the vicinity of ponds and streams, 

 in and around which it obtains its subsistence. The Mink is easily 

 tamed, if taken young, and is susceptible of forming strong attach- 

 ments. Its fur is of but little value, on account of its shortness, 

 though it is quite fine. Its value, however, varies with the fash- 

 ions of the day, and may, therefore, become more marketable 

 than at the present time. It is common throughout the length 

 and breadth of America, or it ranges from the Carolinas to 69° 

 north latitude. It is said to have from four to seven young at a 

 birth. 



2. Putorius vulgaris. Cuv. The Weasel. 



Mustela vulgaris, Lin. Harlan, Fauna Am., p. 61. 

 Mustela (Putorius) vulgaris, Richardson, Fauna Bor. Am., p. 45. 

 Figure ; Godman, Nat. Hist., i. p. 208. 



Specific characters. Reddish-brown above, white beneath, tail 

 short, and of the same color as the body. 



Description. The color is uniform through the year, and rather 

 brighter and paler than that of the Stoat in his summer dress. 

 Richardson describes it as yellowish-brown, varying into chesnut- 

 brown, and the under parts as yellowish-white, together with the 

 legs, thighs, and the whole of the chin, and which extends to one 

 half of the upper lip ; tip of the tail blackish-brown. 



