138 THE WOODLANDS. 



the weasel a second time, and followed up the track 

 with surprising assiduity. The rabbit took cover once 

 more, but it was for the last time ; for scarcely had it 

 proceeded a dozen yards ere I saw that all was over. 

 It stopped short, and panted for breath, as though its 

 heart would have burst through its ribs, and then 

 it began to squeal most piteously. It never took 

 another step to save its life, but sat down on the 

 grass, still continuing its wailing. The weasel bolted 

 from the bushes and jumped upon the rabbit's back, 

 inflicting a death-wound on its prey by biting it just 

 behind the ear. I was sitting still at the time, and 

 could easily have despatched either the rabbit or the 

 weasel, but I did not interfere until the affair was 

 concluded, and then I took the rabbit for my share, 

 and allowed the weasel to go in search of another 

 supper when and where it might think fit." 



In many parts of the country it is only necessary 

 to sit down quietly by the roadside in the neighbour- 

 hood of a plantation, and remain there motionless for 

 a time, to be rewarded by a sight of the rapid, but 

 stealthy, movements of the Weasel. 



The Marten is another of the same tribe, of which 

 there are two kinds, the one with a white throat and 

 breast, called the Beech Marten, and one with a 

 yellow throat and breast, called the Pine Marten. 

 Some consider them distinct species. 



The Beech Marten is the most common of the 

 two in the South, inhabiting woods, and making its 

 home in hollow trees. The Pine Marten is the most 

 common in Scotland, where it frequents the fir woods, 

 and builds its nest in the tops of trees. In their 



