FERRETS, STOATS, AND WEASELS. 69 



One is frequently asked what is the difference between a stoat 

 and a weasel. According to one authority, the one " is stoatally 

 different from the other, and weasely distinguished." But this 

 does not help us much. The weasel " in length, from snout to 

 root of tail, does not exceed 8 in. The tail is about 2 in. long. 

 The fur is light reddish-brown above, and white below." The size 

 and black-tipped tail best distinguish the stoat. The weasel is a 

 good climber, and makes use of its skill in this accomplishment to 

 prey upon birds, their eggs and young. Rats and mice are its 

 favourite food. 



[J. Macdonald, photo. 

 FIG 11. THE WEASEL 



The history of the introduction of these vermin into this country 

 is characteristic of the acclimatization methods of the past. Ferrets 

 have been introduced from early times by dealers in birds and 

 animals. The first authentic record is that of the Canterbury Accli- 

 matization Society, which received five in 1867. They were ap- 

 parently not liberated, nor were subsequent introductions for some 

 time. When rabbits began to increase to an alarming extent various 

 suggestions were made as to the importation of what was called " the 

 natural enemy." The fox is the real natural enemy of the rabbit, 

 but this was too risky a proposal to be made. The Victorian Govern- 



