181 



The Mink is not properly a migratory animal. In most sec- 

 tions it remains permanently where it takes up its abode. In 

 others, however, it may be forced to remove at times, owing to 

 scarcity or failure of its food-supply, such as may ensue from 

 the freezing of the waters in northern parts. Under such cir- 

 cumstances, it may perform extensive journeys overland. Trap- 

 pers have indeed spoken to me of a <' running" time with the 

 Minks, but I cannot satisfy myself that reference is here had 

 to anything more than periods of sexual activity, when the ani- 

 mals are hunting mates. I do not think that whatever '' migra- 

 tion '^ may take place is anything more than casual. 



The rutting season begins early — generally in February — and 

 April is for the most part the month of reproduction. Five or 

 six young are ordinarily produced at a birth. Litters have been 

 found in the hollow of a log, as well as in the customary bur- 

 rows. 



The Mink has been frequently tamed, and is said to become, 

 with due care, perfectly gentle and tractable, though liable to 

 sudden fits of anger, when no one is safe from its teeth. With- 

 out showing special affection, it seems fond of being caressed, 

 and may ordinarily be handled with perfect impunity. The 

 following account of the semi-domestication of Minks on an 

 extensive scale will be read with interest, not alone for its 

 novelty, but also because it gives some precise information 

 respecting the reproduction of the species. 



The Mink appears to be the only species ot its genus which 

 has been systematically reared and trained for ratting in this 

 country as the Ferret is in Europe. The relationship of the two 

 animals at once suggests the feasibility of an experiment, which 

 has been tried with complete success, as we learn from an in- 

 teresting article lately published in '' Forest and Stream'' (Oc- 

 tober 22, 1874 — apparently taken from "Fancier's Journal and 

 Poultry Exchange" of October 15, 1874). I reproduce the pas- 

 sage in substance. 



Mr. H. Resseque, of Verona, Oneida County, X. Y., has fre- 

 quently exhibited at fairs two tame female Minks, which he 

 hands to the by-standers to be caressed and passed from one 

 to another. The animals were perfectly gentle, submitting to 

 be handled, but it was noticed that they kept their eyes on their 



