96 NORTH AMERICAN MUSTELID.E. 



ample subsistence iu the weaker Kodents, lusectivora, and birds 

 and their eggs. It hiiuts on the ground for Mice, which con- 

 stitute a hirge share of its sustenance, as well as for Shrews, 

 Moles, certain reptiles, and insects. An expert climber, quite 

 at home in the leafy intricacies of tree tops, it pursues Squirrels, 

 and goes birds'-nestiug with success. It is said to also secure 

 toads, frogs, lizards, and even fish. Like the Wolverene and 

 Fekan. it sometimes makes an entrance upon the hoards of meat 

 and fish which are cached by the natives in the higher latitudes. 

 It is said not to reject carrion at times. It has been stated to 

 eat various nuts and berries, as well as to be fond of honey; but 

 we may receive such accounts with caution, viewing the very 

 highly carnivorous character of the whole group to which the 

 species belongs. 



The Sable has some of the musky odor characteristic of its 

 family, but in very mild degree compared with the fetor of 

 the Mink or Polecat. Hence the name •• Sweet Marten", by 

 which its nearest European ally is known, in contradistinction 

 tTom Foulimart, or •• Foul Marten*', a name of the Polecat. 

 With a general presence more pleasing than that of the spe- 

 cies of Futorius^ it combines a nature, if not less truly preda- 

 ceous, at least less sanguinary and insatiable. It does not kill 

 after its hunger is appeased, nor does a blind ferocity lead it 

 to attack animals as much larger than itself as those that the 

 Stoat assaults with success. Animals like the Piabbit and 

 Squirrel form less of its prey than the smaller Eodents and 

 Insectivores. In confinement, the Marten becomes in time 

 rather gentle, however untamable it may appear at first ; it is 

 sprightly, active, with little unpleasant odor, and altogether 

 rather agreeable. 



