GLUTTQN. 4G1 



length of the back are black-brown, the colour 

 widening somewhat over the sides as it passes on, 

 and again lessening or contracting towards the 

 tail; or the description might be given in other 

 words, by saying, that the colour of the body is a 

 fine glossy black-brown, with a ferruginous tinge 

 along the sides, so as to form a broad lateral 

 zone; but it is to be observed, that the animal va- 

 ries considerably in colour; sometimes appearing 

 black, with a subferruginous lateral band ; and at 

 other times of a chesnut-colour : the feet are 

 black. In the American variety, hereafter to be 

 described, a whitish or ash-coloured band or bor- 

 der runs along the body, in the same manner as 

 the ferruginous one in the European kind. 



The Glutton, as its name imports, has the cha- 

 racter of a very voracious animal, preying indiscri- 

 minately both on fresh prey and carrion. One which 

 was kept at Dresden would eat thirteen pounds of 

 flesh in a day, without being satisfied. It attacks 

 deer, birds, field-mice, &c. and even sometimes 

 the larger cattle ; and is said to sit on the branches 

 of trees, and suddenly to spring down on such ani- 

 mals as happen to pass beneath; tearing them, 

 and sucking the blood, till they fall down through 

 faintness, when it begins to devour the spoil. In 

 winter it seeks out and catches ptarmigans under 

 the snow. What it cannot devour at once it is said 

 to hide under ground, or in the cavity of some 

 tree. It is said to be an animal of uncommon 

 fierceness and strength ; and will sometimes dis- 

 pute the prey both with the Wolf and Bear. It 



