42 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



The Polecat is the first species of the most interesting genus 

 known as the Mustela, and this genus numbers among its members 

 the Polecats, Weasels, Stoats and Minks. 



The first-named is now a rare British species, and I remember 

 how, as a boy, I with pride released a magnificent specimen from a 

 keeper's trap, the cruel teeth of which held it fast. 



The agonizing and piercing screams of the tortured beast 

 attracted my attention to the spot where the captive was located, 

 and I remember well how I called forth the ire of the keeper who came 

 hastily and unexpectedly upon the scene (as keepers are so wont to 

 do !) when I informed him of what I had done. Cats which have 

 strayed into game preserves, and become veritable poachers, I have 

 endeavoured to release in a like manner, but of all the savage 

 creatures imaginable a semi-wild stray Cat firmly held in a toothed 

 trap is one of the most difficult animals I have ever had to deal with. 



Rabbits whose piteous squealings could not fail to attract atten- 

 tion, I have released from their prisons many times, and I once, and 

 only once, tried my powers on a captive Stoat. I have never 

 repeated the operation, for I well recollect how the magnificent 

 creature reared up (it was caught by the hind-legs in some way) 

 to the full extent of the chain which held the trap down, and swore 

 at me in such a terrible way, and assumed such a threatening 

 attitude, that I left the sickening scene until the keeper returned to 

 put the animal out of its misery. And such, curious to relate, is the 

 reward one receives when desirous of being merciful to a creature 

 of the wilds. Man is its remorseless enemy, and the animal has 

 become so accustomed to persecution that it fails to recognize when 

 a deliverer comes ! 



