16 * FERRET FACTS AND FANCIES. 



dark or brown, is known as the Fitch-ferret. It 

 has dark eje^ and is said to be the result of a 

 cross between the Fitch, a European animal, and 

 the white or common ferret. 



Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family. 

 Marten, weasel, European polecat (don't confuse 

 with American skunk or civet cat, for they are 



WHITE AND BROWN OR DARK FERRETS. 



of an entirely different family) are close mem- 

 bers of the same family, while allied (if not more 

 distant relatives) are otter, badger and skunk. 

 All animals of this species are pretty much the 

 same in form, habits and nature. Ferrets have 

 short legs, elongated, muscular and lithe bodies ; 

 they are blood-thirsty, determined of purpose 

 and relentless; hardy and prolific breeders, 

 rather short lived, habits clean. Like all of the 



