MarTES. 143 
Horsfield remarks that the specimens received in the Indian Museum 
combine the peculiarities of the Pine and Beech Martens respectively, 
and lead to the conclusion that both are varieties of one species. ‘This 
idea was prevalent some time ago, and the Beech Marten (JZ. foina) was 
supposed to be merely a variety of the Pine species, but there are certain 
differences in the skulls of the two animals. Itis stated by the editor of 
my edition of Cuvier that, on examination of the crania of the two, he 
found that those of JZ. abietum are constantly smaller, with the zygomatic 
arch fully twice as strong as in the other, There is also a slight 
difference in the teeth, the hinder upper tubercular grinder in JAZ, foina 
not being quite so large as in the other. 
The Pine Marten has a wide distribution ; the finest specimens are 
found in Sweden; in England it is becoming scarce, but in other parts 
of Europe and Asia it is common. Professor Parker and his brother 
write of it: “This animal is essentially arboreal in its habits, inhabiting . 
chiefly thick coniferous woods, whence its name of Pine Marten is 
derived. In the branches the female makes a nest of leaves or moss, 
and sometimes spares herself this trouble by ejecting squirrels or wood- 
peckers, and occupying the vacant dwellings. For its size it is, like all 
the Mustelide, extremely ferocious and strong. It attacks and kills fawns, 
notwithstanding their superior size; from these down to mice nothing 
comes amiss to it, and nothing is safe from its attacks.” It seems 
almost incredible that such a small animal should venture on such large 
game, but the same is reported of JZ. flaviguda ; and a much smaller 
creature, the Yellow-bellied Weasel, JZ. kathiah, is reported by Hodgson 
to attack even goats and sheep. 
No. 179. MARTES TOUFGUS. 
NATIVE NAME.—TZoufee. 
Hasirat.—Thibet. 
Description (from skins only).—General colour smoky brown, 
darker along the spine and on the limbs, but without marks, and paler to 
sordid yellowish hoary on the neck and head; head palest, except the 
mystaceal region and chin, which are embrowned ; moustache moderate 
and dark brown. 
S1zE.—Head and body about 20 to 22 inches. 
The above description is taken from Hodgson, who had only received 
imperfect skins. Jerdon just alludes to it by name, but I cannot find it 
mentioned by any other author. As much stress cannot be laid on 
colouring in these animals, I feel inclined to think that it is a variety 
of Martes abietum, probably in its dark summer coat. 
