264 WITH BOAT AND GUN IN THE YANGTZE VALLEY. 



The little Siberian weasel so common in this part of the world has no redeeming 

 feature that I ever heard of. He is simply a blood-thirsty little beast, and what he cannot 

 accomplish single-handed he effects in battalions. He is the farmer's worst enemy and with 

 his companions, when the unwary poultry are asleep, will very quickly decimate a well- 

 stocked farm yard. I always send a shot at him when I come across him up-country which 

 has not been often, for the weasel is a night bird. 



Trappers go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and get a fee for every weasel 

 taken, while the carcase itself is their own perquisite. In 1890 our party consisted of Messrs. 

 "Jimmie" McKie, A. Stewart, J. Orman and H. J. H. Tripp. Our boats were at anchor not 

 far from the south gate of Pejow, and strolling round we came across party of trappers in 

 three boats skinning weasels. The modus operandi was as simple as it was expeditious. 

 A cross slit across the nose of the animal enabled the operators to get their fingers inside the 

 skin which they deftly drew back over the body, merely chopping off the obstructions 

 caused by the legs. The carcases, savoury food such as the Chinaman's heart loveth, were 

 offered for sale in the Pejow market, but the frys were retained as tit-bits to be enjoyed with 

 the well-earned rice of the operators. More than forty animals did we see thus treated. 

 The native has many modes of capturing vermin, but in this case his favourite instrument was 

 the old fashioned springe. It must not be forgotten that the export of these skins amounts 

 to hundreds of thousands a year a fact probably unknown to the farmer, but for which, 



nevertheless, he has reason to be thankful. 



« « « « 



Although these few Notes from my Diary shall not be found to possess sufficient 

 general interest to warrant their inclusion in what after all only aims to be a text-hook, yet 

 it may be hoped that some chance reader may hereafter think it worth while to record for 

 the information — I had almost written delectation— of those who may come after him an 

 occasional observation when he shall go abroad with boat and gun. 



-ft-.<iESft 



