lO Studies in Rat Catching. [ch. i. 



have multiplied and increased, which is a 

 proof that they are not mules, for the chil- 

 dren of mules, either in birds or beasts, do 

 not have young ones. 



There are two distinct colours in ferrets — 

 one is a rich dark brown and tan, and the 

 other white with pink eyes ; and in my opinion 

 one is just as good as the other for work, 

 though by preference I always keep the 

 white ferret, as it is sooner seen if it comes 

 out of a hole and works away down a fence 

 or ditch bottom. I have never known a 

 dark-coloured ferret coming among a litter 

 of white ones or a white among the dark ; 

 but there is a cross between the two which 

 produces a grizzly beast, generally bigger 

 than its mother, which I have for many years 

 avoided, though it is much thought of in 

 some parts of the Midlands. I fancy (though 

 I may be wrong) that the cross is a dull slow 

 ferret, wanting in dash and courage, and not 



