298 CARNIVORA. 



the cheeks. The back and sides are brown, the abdomen slightly duller 

 in tint. 



The Small Brown Weasel, Putorius cicogtianii, is common in New 

 England. It is brown above, and white beneath, the tail has a black tip, 

 and is one-filth the length of the body. 



Richardson's Weasel, Putorius Richardsonii, has smaller feet, higher 

 ears, and a longer tail than the preceding species. Its summer coat is 

 dark-brown ; its winter raiment white. The hair on the tail does not 

 form a brush. 



The Bridled Weasel, Putorius frenatus, is found in Texas, and per- 

 haps extends into Mexico. It has a yellowish patch on its forehead, and 

 another just in front of each ear. 



The Black-footed Ferret, Putorius Nigripes, is, according to 

 Audubon, the size of the Marten ; the tail is one-third of the length of 

 the body ; the feet, tip of tail, and forehead are black. 



GENUS MUSTELA. 



The Weasel, Mustcla vulgaris (Plate XIX), does not exceed ten 

 inches in length over all ; the color is a reddish-brown on the upper part 

 of the body, but the under portions are pure white. It is one of the 

 most audacious of animals, and will attack anything, however superior 

 in size ; it is a terrible foe to rats and mice, and in this respect makes 

 some atonement for the chickens it occasionally kills. It hunts by scent 

 and will even cross water in the chase. When it reaches its prey, it fixes 

 its teeth in the back of the neck and drives them into the brain. 



Weasels will unite their forces, and act in concert to repel a foe. It 

 is reported that a powerful man was so worn out with his exertions in 

 keeping off his assailants, that he would soon have sunk under their 

 united attacks had he not been rescued by the timely assistance of a 

 horseman who happened to pass near the spot, and who came to the 

 rescue with his whip. Urged by their bloodthirsty instinct, the Weasels 

 all directed their efforts to the throat, and made their attacks in such 

 rapid succession that their opponent was solely occupied in tearing 

 away the active little creatures and flinging them on the ground, with- 

 out being permitted the necessary leisure for killing or maiming Lii per- 

 tinacious and undaunted antagonists. 



