176 NORTH AMERICAN MUSTELID.S. 



captive member, sometimes lacerating it in a manner painful 

 to witness; but, singular to say, it bites the part beyond the 

 jaws of the trap. This doe.s not appear to be any intelligent 

 attempt to free itself, but rather an act of the blind fury ex- 

 cited by consciousness of capture. Some have averred that it 

 is an instinctive means of lessening pain, by permitting a How 

 of blood from the portion of the limb beyond the point of 

 seizure; but this seems to me very problematical. The violence 

 and persistence of the poor tortured animal's endeavors to 

 escape are witnessed in the frequent breaking of its teeth 

 against the iron — this is the rule rather than the exception. 

 One who has not taken a Mink in a steel trap can scarcely form 

 an idea of the terrible expression the animal's face assumes as 

 the captor approaches. It has always struck me as the most 

 nearly diabolical of anything in animal physiognomy. A sullen 

 stare from the crouched, motionless form gives way to a new 

 look of surprise and fear, accompanied with the most violent 

 contortions of the body, with renewed champing of the iron, 

 till breathless, with heaving flanks, and open mouth dribbling 

 saliva, the animal settles again, and watches with a look 

 0:f concentrated hatred, mingled with impotent rage and fright- 

 ful despair. The countenance of the Mink, its broad, low head, 

 short ears, small eyes, piggish snout, and formidable teeth, is 

 always expressive of the lower and more brutal passions, all of 

 which are intensified at such times. As may well be supposed, 

 the creature must not be incautiously dealt with when in such 

 a frame of mind. 



The gun is not often used to procure Mink, not only because 

 of the injury to the pelt which would ensue, but because its 

 use is difficult and unsatisfactory. I have never secured one 

 in this way, though I have more than once fired at them swim- 

 ming in the water. If on the lookout, as they usually are, 

 they may dive at the flash, and evade the shot. They immedi- 

 ately disappear likewise if only wounded ; and even if killed 

 outright, which is not often the case, they sink, and are not 

 likely to be recovered. Shots at a Mink on land but rarely 

 offer ; I do not remember to have had but a single one, and 

 then the animal escaped me. 



From what has gone before, the prime characteristic of the 

 Mink in comparison with its congeners may be inferred : I 

 mean its amphibious mode of life. It is to the water what the 

 other Weasels are to the land or the Martens to the trees. It 



