Sketches from Nature. 297 



and among other creatures unearthed we re- 

 member a brown owl, a stock-dove, and a shell- 

 duck, all of which were breeding in the mounds. 

 To many persons ferrets are objectionable pets; 

 but if properly kept they are among the cleanest 

 of animals. Playful as kittens, they are harmless 

 if properly handled, and much fondling tendsto 

 tame them. Ferrets not only soon get used to 

 handling, but like it. They ought always to be 

 seized boldly and without hesitation, for if the 

 hold has to be adjusted a bite may be the result. 

 And a bite from a ferret, especially to a person 

 in bad health, is sometimes a serious matter. If a 

 ferret is inclined to be vicious attract its attention 

 with a glove in front, bringing the other hand 

 down with a rapid sweep, grasping it firmly by 

 the neck and shoulders. Food has much to do 

 with temper, and confined under favourable con- 

 ditions ferrets will be cleanly and sweet as in 

 their natural habitat. They require to lie dry and 

 have a roomy abode. Pine shavings are better 

 than straw to bed them, and pine sawdust 

 ought to be sprinkled about. The resinous 

 matter in these acts as an antiseptic, and as a 

 deterrent to vermin. Closely-confined ferrets 

 become weak and tender, and are susceptible to 

 cold. Bread and milk ought to be the prevailing 

 food, with a good meal of flesh weekly. These 

 combined will keep them in good condition and 



