642 



THE CARNIVORES 



western and northern slopes of the Caucasus, Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor. It 

 appears, however, to be unknown in Persia. 



Over the greater part of Europe this marten is a commoner animal 

 than the preceding, which it also exceeds in the greater boldness of 

 its disposition. Although it is a frequenter of woods and trees, it is also found not 

 uncommonly among rocks and stones, and hence receives its German name of 

 steinmarder. In barren districts like I^adakh this marten must, of course, nearly 

 always dwell among rocks. From its bold disposition it is frequently found in the 

 neighborhood of human habitations, where it inflicts much damage on poultry. 



In its general mode of life the species closely resembles M. martes. The nest 

 is carefully formed of hay and straw, and situated in a hole in a tree, in the cran- 

 nies between rocks, or in an old barn or granary. The young, generally from four 



\ 



THE BEECH-MARTEN. 

 ( One-sixth natural size. ) 



to five in number, are born about the month of April, and are blind for the first 

 fortnight of their existence. Its wanderings at night during the summer are ex- 

 tensive ; and no dovecot however lofty it may be is safe when there is a mar- 

 ten anywhere in the neighborhood. The food of this species is much the same as 

 that of the last, although in inhabited districts including more domesticated ani- 

 mals. It feeds on mice, rats, rabbits, and all kinds of birds ; and, when dwelling in 

 woods, hunts and kills squirrels, lizards, and frogs. It likewise eats fruits of vari- 

 ous kinds, such as cherries and plums ; and in some parts of the Continent is con- 

 sidered to do so much harm to orchards that the stems of the trees are washed with 

 tobacco juice or petroleum in order to prevent the marten from ascending them. 

 L,ike all its kindred, the beech-marten is, for its size, an exceedingly bloodthirsty 

 creature, and will often kill more than it can devour. 



