216 FAMILY MUSTELIDJE ; MARTEN, GLUTTON, SKUNK. 



Ermine ; the latter being the Stoat in its winter dress. In our 

 own climate this change is not complete ; but in more northern 



FIG. 106. MARTEN. 



regions, the whole body becomes white, except the tip of the 

 tail, which remains black. The Pine-Marten of North America, 

 the Sable of Northern Asia, and the Zorilla of Southern Africa, 

 are also typical species, nearly allied to these. 



193. This family includes, however, several other animals, 

 which connect it with neighbouring groups, and manifest its pecu- 

 liarities in a less striking degree. Among these are the Gluttons of 

 the northern regions of the Old and New World ; which (though 

 by some placed among the Ursidse) are evidently intermediate 

 between the Polecat and the Badger, agreeing with the former 

 in their dentition, and having somewhat more of the general 

 figure and aspect of the latter. They are slow and comparatively 

 deficient in agility ; but they are very persevering and deter- 

 mined, as well as cunning. They often proceed at a steady pace 

 for miles, hunting out weak or dying animals, and stealing 

 unawares upon hares, marmots, birds, &c. They are said to 

 surprise the larger animals, such as the Reindeer and the Elk, as 

 they lie asleep ; and to tear the neck and throat in the same 

 manner as the Weasel. The Glutton fights very resolutely; 

 and its great strength renders it more than a match for a single 

 Dog of its own size. The Skunk, another intermediate genus, 

 is remarkable for the intolerable odour of the secretion from its 



