QUADRUPEDS. 



139 



habits and mode of life Martens greatly resemble the 

 Stoat and Weasel. Sir William Jardine says : " It 

 sometimes takes up its abode in ruined buildings and 

 hollow trees, and it can ascend a wall or a tree with 

 as much agility as the wild cat; but its arboreal habits 

 are much exaggerated by authors, and its chief ex- 

 ploits are performed on the ground. In the north of 



GREAT BAT. 



Scotland, where it is named Taghan and Polecat, it 

 has been known to destroy very young lambs, but 

 scarcely ever ventures into the vicinity of human 

 habitations at night, as it is said sometimes to do in 

 England, where farmyards have been plundered by 

 it. Whatever may be the case on the Continent, it 

 cannot with truth be said that in Britain the Marten 

 resides chiefly in trees, however admirably its struc- 

 ture may be supposed to be adapted to this mode of 

 life." 



