62 



Quadrupeds. 



THE EKMINE. (Mustela erminea.') 



THIS, which is also called the STOAT, is a smaller species 

 than the Polecat, and is less common in England than 

 the latter, although in Scotland it is tolerably abun- 

 dant. Its colour in summer, is reddish brown on the 

 back and white underneath; but in winter the whole 

 of the fur becomes pure white, except on the tail, which 

 is always black, and it is in this state that the fur of the 

 Ermine is so highly esteemed. In the North of Europe, 

 Siberia, and the most northern parts of America, Er- 

 mines are found in immense numbers, and great quan- 

 tities of them are killed for the sake of their skins, 

 of which several hundred thousand are annually ex- 

 ported from those inclement northern regions, to serve 

 for the adornment of ladies dress, and of the state robes 

 of peers and other high dignitaries, in more civilized 

 countries. The pure white skin adorned with the jet 

 black tails of the little animals, is indeed one of the 

 most elegant of all furs ; but from the immense quantities 

 in which the skins are imported, they have become so 

 cheap that ermine can no longer be regarded as a fashion- 

 able fur, and it is chiefly employed for those purposes to 

 which custom has, in a manner, consecrated its use. 

 Like the Polecat, and others of its kind, the Ermine 



