130 THE PINE WEASEL THE MARTIN. 



particular species which are so distinguished by the richness of 

 their furs ; and while they contribute a valuable article of com- 

 merce, furnish mankind with an opportunity of observing the 

 wisely adapted beneficence of the Creator, in giving to these 

 animals a covering, which, after having protected them from the 

 rigours of a northern climate, serves as an article of utility, as 

 well as of ornament, to man. 



THE PINE WEASEL 



Is found in Great Britain, but the species is not very numer- 

 ous. It inhabits large forests, especially where the pine-tree 

 abounds, on the tops of which it chiefly feeds. It is found in the 

 greatest numbers in the northern parts of the old and the new 

 continent: North America especially abounds with these ani- 

 mals, anJ Ci"*'n thence prodigious numbers of their skins are im- 

 ported. The annual importation from Canada has been known 

 to amount to thirty thousand skins, and about half that number 

 from Hudson's Bay. 



THE MARTIN 



Is the most beautiful of the weasel kind, and more common 

 in England than the last described animal. It lives in woods, and 

 breeds in hollow trees, and produces five or six young at a birth. 



The martin, when taken young, is easily tamed, and soon be- 

 comes exceeding tractable and playful, but is always ready to 

 take advantage of any opportunity to make its escape, arid flee 

 to the woods, the residence to which Nature has given it the 

 strongest propensity. The food of this animal is the same as- 

 that of all the weasel kind. It is extremely fond of honey, anc' 

 sometimes feeds on grain. 



M. de Buffbn informs us, that a martin which he had tamed, 

 sometimes slept two days successively, and at other times re- 

 mained as long awake; and that in preparing for sleep, it al- 

 ways folded itself up in a round form, and covered its tail with 

 its head. It made its escape two or three times, and returned 

 of its own accord, but at last entirely absconded. 



The martin is about a foot and a half in length ; the body is 

 covered with a thick fur, of a darkish brown colour; its head is 

 small, and elegantly formed, and its eyes are lively ; its tail is 

 long, and bushy at the end ; its ears broad. Its throat and breast 

 are white ; ^its belly a pale brown; its feet are broad, and its 

 claws large and sharp, being well adapted for climbing trees. It 

 is very active, and its motions are quick and lively. The fur has 

 an agreeable musky smell, and is held in high estimation. 



The difference between the martin and the pine weasel, con- 

 sists chieflv in the colour, the breast of the latter being yellow, 



