MARTENS, POLECATS, AND WEASELS. 12^ 



in wholesome check by the efforts of keepers and trappers." 

 The species is, however, quite unknown in the Hebrides and 

 other Scottish islands. 



Habits. — Nearly akin to the Stoat in its mode of life, the 

 Weasel, from its inferior dimensions, has the advantage over 

 the latter of being able to pursue in their tortuous underground 

 runs both the Field-Vole and the Mole ; and from its relent- 

 less pursuit both of the former and the common Rat, this little 

 Carnivore ought to receive all encouragement at the hands of 

 the farmer, more especially in districts subject to seasonal 

 "Vole-plagues." We by no means intend to imply that the 

 Weasel, like other benefactors of the human race, has not its 

 faults— quite the contrary; but, taking all in all, we have little 

 hesitation in saying that the benefits it confers far outweigh 

 the injuries it inflicts. That it has a partiality for small birds, 

 and that it may make an occasional onslaught on the smaller 

 denizens of the poultry-house, may be freely admitted ; but the 

 former depredations are necessarily limited to a few weeks in 

 the year, while the latter are few and far between. 



In addition to hunting Voles and Rats in their subterranean 

 retreats, the Weasel will likewise pursue them if they attempt 

 to escape by ascending trees or shrubs, as, among his other 

 accomplishments, he is an excellent climber. Whether the 

 Weasel is of sufficient size to carry off hens' eggs in the same 

 manner as the Stoat, that is, by taking one between the chin 

 and chest, and holding it there safely by bending down the 

 head, we are unaware. 



Writing in the original edition of the " NaturaHst's Library," 

 of the habits of this species, Macgillivray states that it will 

 pursue Rats and Mice " into barns, granaries, and corn-stacks, 

 despatching them generally by a single bite which perforates 

 the brain. In the fields and pastures it has been seen follow- 

 ing its prey by scent, turning and doubling on the track, and 



