226 THE MINK. 



a few fleecy fragments from its breast or coverts 

 floated on the breeze evidence that I was not the 

 only creature seeking wherewith to satisfy my 

 appetite. 



The unknown disturber of the repose of these 

 wild fowls was a mink (Putorius vison), a fur-bearing 

 animal widely scattered throughout those parts of 

 North America where lakes and rivers are abundant. 

 The little marauder, which was evidently ignorant 

 of my presence, appeared for a few seconds upon a 

 stone that was some inches above the water, and 

 several yards from its margin. In its weasel-like 

 face and round "sharp eye, curiosity was strongly 

 marked, but on noticing me it slipped off its perch 

 and disappeared. 



This little animal, which is peculiar to America, 

 has a beautiful pelt, much valued on account of its 

 fineness and rich brown colour. Partially web-footed 

 it is very aquatic in habits, and lives indifferently 

 on all descriptions of small game and fish. Generally 

 easily trapped, and its skin commanding a large 

 price, it is eagerly sought after by the Indian and 

 backwoodsman. 



Turning off still further to the left, the ground, 

 as it diminished in elevation, was clothed with more 

 cover. Beneath an overhanging rock I discovered 

 an admirable natural arbour, which might have been 

 rendered perfectly rain-proof by the exercise of a 

 little ingenuity, and the outlay of a small portion 

 of time. Here I made a halt, and treated myself to 



