STOAT. 427 



its manners to the Weesel; living in hollows under 

 the roots of trees, in banks near rivulets, &c. and 

 preying on all manner of smaller animals, as well 

 as on Rabbets, &c. It does not, however, like 

 the Weesel, visit houses, but confines itself to the 

 fields. It is an inhabitant both of the northern 

 parts of Europe and of Asia. It occurs in Kamts- 

 chatka and the Kurile isles. It is also said to be 

 found in several parts of North America. 



In Norway and in Siberia the skins are a great 

 article of commerce; most of the Ermines or 

 white Stoat skins being brought from thence. In 

 Siberia the Stoat is said to be found in the birch 

 forests, but not in the pine forests ; and the skins 

 are sold on the spot, according to Mr. Pennant, 

 at from two to three pounds sterling per hundred. 

 The animals are either taken in traps or shot with 

 blunt arrows. 



The figure of the Ermine here engraved is from 

 an elegant drawing in the British Museum, by 

 the celebrated Edwards. 



