Short-tailed Weasel 841 



In winter it becomes the Ermine; it is now pure white 

 with a yellowish tinge on rump, tail, and under parts; the 

 black tail tip continues unchanged. 



The change from brown to white is, of course, to enable change 

 the animal to live and hunt in the snow without being visible colour 

 to all the creatures it would prey on. The change is effected 

 by a moult, and, in Manitoba, occurs about the middle of Octo- 

 ber each year, without reference to the weather or the presence 

 of snow, so that it is no uncommon thing to see a Weasel of 

 dazzling whiteness running over the brown prairie or in the 

 woods still carpeted with dead leaves. 



The yellow tinge is believed to be partly, at least, external 

 staining from the smell-glands with which the creature is so 

 generously outfitted. 



As late as mid-April, I have found them in full winter 

 pelage. Soon after this they appear in the brown and white 

 of the summer coat. 



The following races are recognized: 



cicognanii Bonaparte, the typical form. 



richardsoni Bonaparte, much larger. 



alascensis Merriam, like richardsoni, but white tips 



of feet more extensive and interorbital region 



very much broader. 



The three species of Weasels found in Manitoba may be thus the 

 distinguished when in summer pelage (all are white in winter) : kinds 



1st. The Long-tailed Weasel {P. longicauda), the size of 

 a small Mink, with tail 6 inches, or more, in length; lower 

 parts, buff or pale yellow. 



2nd. The Short-tailed Weasel {P. cicognanii), much 

 smaller, about 12 inches long, with tail about 4 inches long, 

 and lower parts white. 



3rd. The Least Weasel (P. rixosus), still smaller, almost 

 as small as a Mouse, about 6 inches, with tail i inch long, 

 without any black tip; lower parts, white. 



