490 APPENDIX. 



The Ermine. Mustela [Putorius) erminea. (Linn. 

 Gmel.) F. B. A. 1. p. 47. 



This active little animal feeds on the white-footed 

 mouse and other small gnawers, hunting, like the rest of 

 the family, in the night, when it frequently enters the 

 dwelling of man in pursuit of prey. The noise that 

 it makes in galloping over the boarded floor, gives the 

 impression of its being a much larger beast. Few of the 

 ermine-skins of commerce come from Hudson's Bay. 



The Mink. Mustela {Putorius) vison. (Linn. Gmel.) 



F. B. A. 1. p. 48. 



The vison or mink preys upon small fish, freshwater 

 muscles, &c, and swims and dives well. La Hontan 

 calls it an "amphibious weazel;" and it is known to the 

 Canadian fur-hunters by the name of " foutereau." Its 

 fur, though darker, is shorter, and consequently of less 

 value, than that of the pine-martin. It is a smaller 

 animal than the latter, with a proportionably shorter and 

 broader head, and a molar tooth fewer on each side. 

 Easily tamed, it shows much attachment to those who 

 pet it. 



The Pine-martin. Mustela mattes. (Linn.) F. B. 



A. 1. p. 51. 



Inhabits the wooded districts, and preys upon hares, 

 mice, and birds. When surprised upon a tree, its ges- 

 tures, the attitudes it assumes, and the puffing noise it 

 makes, are very like those of a cat under similar circum- 

 stances. Martin fur is very fine, and brings a high 



