FERRET. 81 



pigeons, and rabbits. A single pole-cat is sufficient to 

 ravage a whole warren ; for it has such an insatiable thirst 

 for blood, that it kills as well from wantonness as from ne- 

 cessity. The female brings forth five or six young at* a 

 time ; but the species is not very numerous, and seems con- 

 fined to latitudes equally remote from heat and cold 



When alive, the smell of the pole-cat is rank and dis- 

 agreeable even to a proverb ; however, its skin is dressed 

 with the hair on, and used for various purposes, although 

 its offensive smell can never be altogether removed or 

 suppressed. 



THE FERRET. 



The ferret has been naturalized in Europe, but it origin- 

 ally came from Africa ; and was first imported into Spain, 

 in order to free that country from the multitude of rabbits 

 with which it was overrun ; and thence the breed has 

 spread over other parts of the continent. It is about a 

 foot long ; with red fiery eyes, and round ears. The usual 

 colour is a pale yellow ; but it is frequently varied with 

 black, white, and brown. It is a lively active animal ; 

 and seems to have a predilection for rabbits, but is satis- 

 fied with sucking their blood. 



The ferret is generally domesticated, and trained up to 

 the purposes of catching rabbits and rats. From the slen- 

 derness of its body, it is able to enter the holes of the 

 latter, and seldom suffers them to escape. The female is 

 less than the male, and breeds twice a year. They require 

 to be kept warm in our climate, and are generally fed with 

 bread and milk. 



This is a useful animal, but offensive from its disagree- 

 able scent. It is voracious in its nature ; and, though tame, 

 is without attachment. Such is its appetite for blood, that 

 it has been known to attack and kill children in the cradle. 

 It is very irritable ; and, when provoked, emits a most 

 nauseous smell. The wound of its bite is not cured with- 

 out great difficulty. 



E 5 



