Valley of the River Rouge, 6fc. 255 



heavy pole, is placed, this animal being so powerful that it easily 

 tears to pieces the log-traps used for the next species. 



5. Putorius Vison, Gmel (Mink). — Abundant throughout the 

 district. Their " roads" run round the margin of every lake, and 

 the " portage paths " of the Indians generally follow those these 

 little animals form in their constant passage from one lake to 

 another. It is surprising, considering the number of " log-traps" 

 set for them in these paths over the whole country, the facility 

 with which they are caught, and the eagerness with which they 

 are sought after, that any escape. The skins sell for $2 each, and 

 were formerly worth $2.50. The season for trapping them is the 

 end of September and October. The traps are contructed by 

 driving slabs, split out from a cedar tree, or small stakes into the 

 ground in a circle, leaving a narrow entrance on one side, across 

 which a fir-pole heavily weighted is placed, and so arranged as 

 to fall and crush the animal when the bait inside the circle of 

 sticks is disturbed. The top is covered over with a handful of 

 branches, which prevents the Mink from reaching the bait 

 except by the narrow entrance. As soon as taken, an opening 

 having been made near the tail, the skin is stripped off inside out, 

 and stretched till dry, on three splints of cedar-wood cut to fit 

 accurately together on the principle of a boot-tree. When 

 alarmed, this animal takes to the water, swimming and diving 

 with great readiness, though it can continue but a short time 

 under water. The young are born in June. 



6. Mephitis Chinga, Tiediman, Americana, Sabine, (Skunk). 

 Common about the settlements in Grenville, &c. 



7.. Lutra Canadensis, Sabine, (Otter). — Many seen in the lakes 

 throughout the district. Living entirely on fresh fish which its 

 extraordinary powers of diving enable it to obtain with facility 

 the Otter will not take any bait, but is captured by means of iron 

 spring-traps without teeth, set at the water's edge in spots where 

 it is in the habit of going in and out of the water. These landing 

 places or "Otter-slides" are usually situated where the shore is 

 pretty steep, and the well-beaten track is always very conspicuous. 

 Unless the trap is firmly secured with a chain or very strong cord, 

 this powerful animal frequently carries it oft*, but is generally 

 soon drowned by it, and sinks to the bottom where it is not easily 

 found. The skins I was informed are sold at from four to six 

 dollars each. 



8. Vulpes fulvus,. Desm. (Red Fox), — None seen,, but reported 



