The Salle. 



65 



from all others, its peculiarity being, that the hair turns 

 with equal ease either way; on which account fur 

 dealers sometimes blow the fur of any article they may 

 be selling, to show that it is really Sable. The tails are 

 sold by the hundred, at from four to eight pounds. 



The AMERICAN SABLE (M. leucopus) is considered to 

 be a distinct species. 



The common, or BEECH MARTEN, (Mustela Martes or 

 Martes foina,~) like the Sable, boasts the honour of adorn- 

 ing with his fur the rich and the beautiful ; as princes, 

 ladies, and opulent people of all nations, pride them-; 

 selves in wearing his spoils. He is about as big as 

 a cat, but his body is much longer proportionately, and' 

 the legs shorter. His skin is of a light brown, with 

 white under the throat. The fur of the Marten fetches 

 a good price, and is much used in European countries, 

 though very far inferior to that of the Sable : the best, 

 which is called Stone Marten fur by the furriers, is 

 imported from Sweden and Kussia. 



