



Ground Vermin The Stoat. 235 



dark to the lighter coat is generally complete, and there 

 is no appreciable difference between the ermine imported 

 and that obtained from the bleak moors of Caithness 

 and similar counties. 



That this peculiar variation in the colour of the fur 

 takes place more often in England than is generally 

 supposed, may be very likely, but it rarely comes to people's 

 notice, probably on account of its occurring in places 

 which, owing to the roughness and severity of winter 

 on such exposed lands as would most likely cause the 

 change, are rarely, if ever, visited by those persons who 

 take an interest in such matters, and could draw attention 

 to any instances which might come under their observation. 



While agreeing as to the cause of this alteration of 

 colour, authorities differ as to the exact manner in which 

 it is accomplished, and even now it is not satisfactorily 

 demonstrated whether the colour of the hair, or the hair 

 itself is changed ; but no doubt it follows the usual course 

 of such changes, the colour changing in autumn, and 

 the fur being shed in spring. 



It was generally supposed at one time that the blanching 

 of the stoat's fur was an ingenious provision of Nature 

 to guard the animal from its pursuers during the winter 

 months, when scarcity of food, and exposure to the 

 severities of climate while in search of it, would cause 

 it to lose that natural discretion and fear of man which 

 are prominent points in its character. The result of this 

 would most certainly be its discovery and consequent 

 capture, were it so easily distinguishable as its red-brown 

 fur causes it to be. This is, however, a mistaken idea, 



