ij 



THE ERMINE, OR STOAT. This fierce little Beast of Prey is found in the northern portion of both hemispheres. It preys upon all small mam- 

 mals, attacking even Hares, does not despise Snakes or Lizards, and is especially iond of birds. The animal in the picture will find no difficulty in depopulat- 

 ing the nest above him. This animal's fur changes with the seasons. It is shown in this engraving in its summer coat, the upper part brownish-red, the lower 

 white. In the winter the animal is entirely white, except that the tip of the tail is black at all seasons. {Putorius erminea.) 



(163) 



