THE WEASEL FAMILY WEASEL GROUP. 



183 



brown in summer, often changing to white in winter. It is 

 a bold and inquisite animal, whose food consists of small 

 birds, mice, etc., but it will seldom attack a rabbit or a 

 poultry-yard. It is quick of movement, has a strong power 



INDIAN WEASEL. 



of scent, and follows the small animals on w r hich it preys 

 to their hiding places. Common Weasels bring forth from 

 four to five young, and generally live in a nest of dry leaves 

 placed in a hole in a cave or a hollow tree. 



TAYRA. 



THE TAYRA. 



The Tayra or Taira (Galictis-barbara), is found in 

 Central and South America. It is the largest member of 

 the Weasel group measuring over twenty inches, exclusive 

 of the tail which is nearly as long as the body. It is dark 

 brown above and yellowish on the under part of the 

 body. Tayras often hunt in companies for the small 

 animals upon which they prey. 



