B88 Life-histories of Northern Animals 



Resseque, of the Minkery, says:" "If taken in hand when 

 their eyes are first open, they are readily tamed; they should 

 not subsequently be allowed to remain with the mother or in 

 each other's society. By continual petting and handling they 

 become like domestic ratters, and have all the playfulness of 

 the young of the feline tribe. They may be handled without 

 fear of their sharp teeth, but they prove extremely mischievous, 

 their scent leading them to food not intended for them. Their 

 fondness for bathing will prompt them to enter a teakettle or 

 any open vessel, and when wetted they will roll and dry them- 

 selves in a basket of clothes fresh from the laundry, or even 

 upon a lady's dress, occasioning much inconvenience." 



The two young Minks that I sketched in the menagerie of 

 W. F. White, of Winnipeg, in August, 1905, were half grown 

 and as tame and gentle as kittens. They were allowed to run 

 free, but went usually into their own cage to sleep. They were 

 the most restless little things I ever saw, their noses were never 

 done sniffing and poking, their little bodies were never still, 

 except during the brief hours of sleep. 



Merriam thus adds his testimony to the many who advo- 

 cate the Mink as a ratter:''' "When taken sufficiently young 

 he is easily domesticated and makes one of the very best 

 of 'ratters.' He follows these common pests into their holes 

 and destroys large numbers of them. The remainder are so 

 terrified that they leave the premises in great haste and are not 

 apt soon to return." 



There is doubtless great variation of character among 

 Minks. Some seem to be born wastrels, freaks, or 'reverts' to 

 their Weasel stock. I cannot otherwise account for my own 

 experience with the young Mink already referred to as found 

 in the hills near Carberry. His subsequent history is thus 

 recorded in my journal: July 7, the young Mink brought 

 home June 28 was put in with a litter of new-born kittens. 

 The old cat received it kindly and suckled it as if it were her 

 own. In a few days its eyes were opened. It was now strong 

 and its horrid nature began to show itself. It often milked the 



" Coucs, Fur-bearing Atiim., 1877, p 183. '* Mam. Adir., 1884, p. 67. 



