THE MARTIN. 335 



being sheathed or unsheathed at pleasure ; the throat and 

 breast are white ; the belly of the same color with the back, 

 but rather paler ; the hair on the tail is very long, especially 

 at the end, where it appears much thicker than near the 

 insertion. 



There is also a variety of this animal, called the yellow- 

 breasted Martin^ which in no respect differs from the former, 

 except that this has a yellow breast, whereas the other has a 

 white one ; the color of the body also is darker ; and, as it 

 lives more among trees than the other Martin, its fur is more 

 valuable, beautiful, and glossy. The former of these Mr. Buf- 

 fon calls thefouine; the latter simply the Martin; and he 

 supposes them to be a distinct species : but as they differ only 

 in color, it is unnecessary to embarrass history by a new dis- 

 tinction, where there is only so minute a difference. 



Of all animals of the Weasel kind, the Martin is the most 

 pleasing ; all its motions show great grace, as well as agility ; 

 and there is scarce an animal in our woods that will venture 

 to oppose it. Quadrupeds five times as big are easily van- 

 quished ; the hare, the sheep, and even the wild cat itself, 

 though much stronger, is not a match for the Martin : and 

 although carnivorous animals are not fond of engaging each 

 other, yet the wild cat and the Martin seldom meet without 

 a combat. Gesner tells us of one of this kind that he kept 

 tame, which was extremely playful and pretty ; it went among 

 the houses of the neighborhood, and always returned home 

 when hungry ; it was extremely fond of a dog that had been 

 bred up with it, and used to play with it as cats are seen to 

 play, lying on its back, and biting without anger or injury. 

 That which was kept tame by Mr. Buffon, was not quite so 

 social ; it was divested of its ferocity, but continued without 

 attachment ; and was still so wild as to be obliged to be held 

 by a chain. Whenever a cat appeared, it prepared for war : 

 and if any of the poultry came within its reach, it flew upon 

 them with avidity. Though it was tied by the middle of the 

 body, it frequently escaped : at first it returned after some 

 hours, but without seeming pleased, as if it only came to be 



