338 



PUTORIUS ERMINEA, (Linn£). 



THE STOAT OR ERMINE. 



Specific Character. — Length to tail, 9 inches or less. Tail vertebrae about 

 half this leno-th. Black of tail nearly one-half to one-third its length. Out- 

 stretched hind feet reach to the middle of the tail, (with hairs) or a little beyond. 

 Colour in summer, dark chestnut, brown above; whitish beneath. Whole upper 

 jaw brown. In winter, white. Tail with black tip. 



Habitat. — United States with some exceptions northward to the Arctic coast. 



Size. — Equal to that of a small ferret. 



Average Weight. — 1| pounds. 



Average Height. — 3 to 4 inches. 



Average Length. — 14 inches. 



Value of Fur. — Per skin, average 40c. 



It is not generally known, but it is nevertheless a fact that the beautiful 

 ermine fur so much sought after is supplied by the vicious and much detested 

 stoat. 



In summer time this animal's fur resembles that of the weasel, except that 

 the dark parts are not so ruddy, nor the light portions of so pure a white as in 

 that animal. 



During the winter months the fur whitens, partaking of a delicate cream 

 yellow colour, and this applies to the entire body except the tip of the tail which 

 retains its original dark colour. 



The stoat is larger than the weasel, maasuring over fourteen inches, of 

 which the tail occupies adout four inches. 



The stoat is a determined hunter, and being swift of foot generally manages 

 to run down its prey. 



The hare, rabbit, and game bird, and the eggs and young of other birds form 

 its principal food. Of eggs it is extremely fond, and as it climbs with agility, it 

 often gets a meal from the nests found high up in the trees. 



The nest of the stoat is cunningly contrived and is always well stocked with 

 provisions. 



The breeding season occurs in the month of April, and the young are born 

 in June, three or four being produced at a birth. 



Like the weasel, the stoat is possessed of a powerful highly unpleasant odour, 

 and for this reason, although it can be successfully tamed, it makes but an in- 

 different pet. 



