68 ANIMALS OF THE 



sides, but white under the throat and the belly. 

 It has whiskers like a cat, and thirty-two teeth, 

 which is two more than any of the cat kind ; 

 and these also seem better adapted for tear- 

 ing and chewing than those of the cat kind are. 

 The eyes are little and black j the ears short, 

 broad, and roundish, and have a fold at the lower 

 part, which makes them look as if they were 

 double. Beneath the corners of the mouth, on 

 each jaw, is a spot of brown. 



This animal, though very diminutive to appear- 

 ance, is nevertheless a very formidable enemy 

 to quadrupeds a hundred times its own size. It 

 is very common and well known in most parts of 

 this country ; but seems held in very different 

 estimation in different parts of it. In those places 

 where sheep or lambs are bred, the weasel is a 

 most noxious inmate, and every art is used to de- 

 stroy it ; on the contrary, in places where agricul- 

 ture is chiefly followed, the weasel is considered 

 as a friend that thins the number of such vermin 

 as chiefly live upon corn : however, in all places, 

 it is one of the most untameable and untractable 

 animals in the world.* When kept in a cage, 

 either for the purposes of amusement or inspec- 

 tion, it will not touch any part of its victuals 

 while any body looks on. It keeps in a continual 

 agitation, and seems frighted so much at the sight 

 of mankind, that it will die if not permitted to 

 hide itself from their presence. For this purpose, 

 it must be provided, in its cage, with a sufficient 



* Buffon, vol. XT. p. 37. 



