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PIXK MA11TI:N.— J/^///c>5 aOiclu 



in. 



TiiK Weasel Tuide aiv all rcniarkabk' for \\w\v loiii' sleiulcr bodies, tlu-ir 

 great activity in cliiiil)iiip; and insinuating tlKMiisclvcs throiigli small oriticcs, their 

 sharp teeth, their quickness of scent, and their singular rapacity. There are 

 very many species of these animals, several of Avhich are found in England. 



One of the British Weasels is the Pine Marten, so called because it is 

 generally found in those localities where the pine-trees abound, and is in the habit 

 of chmbing the pines in search of prey. It is a shy and wary animal, with- 

 drawing itself as far as possible from the sight of man ; and although a fierce 

 and dangerous antagonist when brought to bay, is naturally of a timid disposition, 

 and shuns collision Avith an enemy. 



It is a tree-loving animal, being accustomed to traverse the trunks and branches 

 with wonderful address and activity, and being enabled by its rapid and silent 

 movements to steal unnoticed on many an unfortunate bird, and to seize it in its 

 deadly gripe l)efore the startled victim can address itself to flight. It is a sad 

 lobber of nests, rifling them of eggs and young, and not unfrequently adding 

 the parent birds to its list of victinis. 



Even the active and wary squirrel sometimes yields up its life to this agile and 

 stealthy foe ; for in a hole which had been made the head-quarters of a Marten 

 were found several of the bushy tails which are such familiar decorations of the 

 squirrel's person. 



The damage which a pair of Martens and their young will inflict upon a poultry- 

 yard is almost incredible. If they can only gain an entrance into the fowl-house, 

 they will spare but very few of 'the inhabitants. They wiU carry off an entire 

 brood of young chickens, eat the eggs, and destroy the parents. 



12G 



