[■\-A{\{\:i\—yu.stc/u J'aru. 



The Ferret is well known as tlie constant, companion of the rat-catcher and 

 {he rabbit-hunter, bein|i: i'in))l()ye(l for tlio purpose of following its prey into their 

 deepest recesses, and of (h'iving them from their stronghohis into the open air, 

 when the pursuit is taken up by its master. 



AVhen Ferrets Jire used for tlie purpose of huntinj^ rabbits, tlieir mouths are 

 3ecurely muz/led l)efore they are ])ermitted to enter tlie burrows ; as, if their 

 teeth were at hberty, they would in all probability kill the first rabbit which they 

 met, and remain in tlie burrow tor the purpose of sucking its blood. 'Hiey are 

 purposely kei)t without their ordinary meals before they are taken into the tield, 

 and are therefore especially anxious to secvu-e their prey. 



Although this animal can be partially tamed, it never seems to be really domes- 

 ticated or trustworthy, and nuist always be looked upon with great suspicion. 

 I well remember seeing a tame Ferret crawling about the person of its master, 

 who was boasting of its tameness, and ofVered proofs of its fidelity by ])ermitting 

 it to touch his lips. ^Suddenly he uttered a sluu-p cry, for the animal had bitten 

 completely through his lips, and deluged him with blood. 



The Ferret is originally a native of Africa, and is most sensitive to cold, needing 

 artificial means whereby it can be prescrveil from the cold air of our English 

 climate, and perishing if it be exposed to the frosts of winter. When the 

 Ferret is kept in a state of domestication, the box or hutch in which it resides nuist 

 be amj)ly sup[)lied with hay, wool, or other warm substances, or the creature will 

 boon pine away and die. 



MM 



