124 CATALOGUE OF THE MAMMALIA OF 
noticed it in its white winter dress, and Mr. Richard Howse on 
Knarsdale Fells. 
3. M. ruro, Zinn. Ferrer. 
This animal is only known in this country and elsewhere, ina 
semi-domesticated state, but is supposed to have been originally 
indigenous in Africa, and perhaps in Spain, whence it spread 
over Europe. It is not able to endure the cold of our 
winters, against which it requires to be carefully protected. Its 
great services in the destruction of rats and rabbits are well 
known. A cross between the female ferret and male polecat is 
often obtained for the same purpose, and is even more highly 
valued than the pure breed. 
3. M. purorius Zinn. Poutecat. Fircnet. Fou’Mart. 
Putorius vulgaris, Cuv. 
_Of this animal Wallis says, “ It is found in Northumberland 
in stony hillocks, thickets, and furze near villages and farm- 
houses, and is usually called Fou’mart from its intolerable 
scent.” 
It is still plentiful in both our counties. The Rev. G. C 
Abbes tells us that a very fine poiecat visited his garden at 
Cleadon a few years ago, and was so bold and fearless that it 
came close to him when gardening, and suffered him to push it 
back with his rake when it interfered with his work. 
It is called the ow or Foul-mart, in contradistinction to the 
Sweetmart or Marten shortly to be mentioned. 
Localities:—Stamfordham, Rey. J. I’. Bigge; Castle Eden, 
Rev. H. B. Tristram; Darlington, W. Backhouse; Cleadon, 
Rev. G. C. Abbes. 
MARTES, Cuvier. 
1. M. asimrrsum, Ray. Marren Car. 
M. vulgaris, Cuv.; Mustela martes, Linn; Martes abietinum, 
Pine marten; Martes foina, Beech marten. 
There seems to be scarcely sufficient ground for the division 
of the marten into two species. T. C. Eyton, Esq.,* has clearly 
* Ann. Nat. Hist., VI. (1840) 290. See also Bennett in Gard. and Menag. of Zool. Soc., 
I., 230. Bell. 
