THE MARTIN. 327 



This animal, though very diminutive to appearance, is, nev- 

 ertheless, a very formidable enemy to quadrupeds an hundred 

 limes its own size. It is very common and well known in most 

 parts of this country ; but seems held in very different estima- 

 tion in different parts of it. In those places where sheep or 

 lambs are bred, the Weasel is a most noxious inmate, and every 

 art is used to destroy it ; on the contrary, in places where 

 agriculture is chiefly followed, the Weasel is considered as a 

 friend that thins the number of such vermin as chiefly live upon 

 corn : however, in all places, it is one of the most untameable 

 and untractable animals in the world. When kept in a cage, 

 either for the purposes of amusement or inspection, it will not 

 touch any part of its victuals while any body looks on. It keeps 

 in a continual agitation, and seems frightened so much at 

 the sight of mankind, that it will die, if not permitted to hide 

 itself from their presence. For this purpose, it must be provided, 

 in its cage, with a sufficient quantity of wool or hay, in which 

 it may conceal itself, and where it may carry whatever it has 

 got to eat ; which, however, it will not touch until it begins 

 to putrify. In this state it is seen to pass three parts of the day 

 in sleeping ; and reserves the night for exercise and eating. 



In its wild state, the night is likewise the time during which 

 it may be properly said to live. At the approach of evening it 

 is seen stealing from its hole, and creeping about the farmer's 

 yard for its prey. If it enters the place where poultry are kept, 

 it never attacks the cocks or the old hens, but immediately aims 

 at the young ones. It does not eat its prey on the place, but, 

 after killing it by a single bite near the head, and with a wound 

 so small that the place can scarcely be perceived, it carries it off 

 to its young, or its retreat. It also breaks and sucks the eggs, 

 and sometimes kills the hen. that attempts to defend them. 

 It is remarkably active, and, in a confined place, scarce any ani- 

 mal can escape it. It will run up the side of walls with such 

 facility, that no place is secure from it ; and its body is so small, 

 that there is scarce any hole but what it can wind through. 

 During the summer, its excursions are more extensive ; but in 

 winter, it chiefly confines itself in barns and farm-yards, where 



