Ground Vermin The Martens. 259 



as varieties instead of separate species, and there are many 

 other differences which the reader may have remarked in the 

 accounts of the two animals. 



There exists but little difference in actual length between 

 the pine and stone martens, but in the various parts of the 

 body there is considerable divergence ; thus, the head of the 

 latter named is larger than that of the pine marten, and has 

 more the outline of the ferret's head, while the pine marten's 

 resembles the stoat's. The legs, too, of this latter are larger 

 and longer than those of the marteron. 



The fur is of two kinds, similarly to the polecat's, and 

 consists of a short, soft, and thick inner fur of light yellowish 

 grey colour, the second long and hair like, ash coloured close 

 to the skin, gradually developing to brown at the extremity, 

 with just a tinge of the stoat's red visible in a certain light. 

 The colour of the fur varies considerably on different parts of 

 the body, in the manner usually noticed, darker on the outer 

 and upper surfaces than on the inner and under, which along 

 the abdomen is light and partakes of a greyish shade ; while, 

 curiously enough, the feet are darker than any other part 

 of the body. The general appearance of the marten is 

 that of a lively, active, and gracefully lithe animal, of 

 considerable muscular power for its size, and capable of 

 running or climbing at a quick easy-going rate. Apparently 

 very intelligent, as far as an animal which has only instinct 

 can be intelligent, it seems well able to provide for any 

 emergency which may occur. 



When attacked by a dog it sits up, and setting up its hair, 

 half screeching, half hissing, and showing its teeth, it 

 endeavours, whilst being well on its guard, to make itself 



