WEASEL KIND. So 



the wild cat and the martin seldom meet without 

 a combat. Gesner tells us of one of this kind 

 that he kept tame, which was extremely playful 

 and pretty; it went among the houses of the 

 neighbourhood, and always returned home when 

 hungry : it was extremely fond of a dog that had 

 been bred up with it, and used to play with it as 

 cats are seen to play, lying on its back, and bit- 

 ing without anger or injury. That which was 

 kept tame by M. Buffon, was not quite so social ; 

 it was divested of its ferocity, but continued 

 without attachment ; and was still so wild as to 

 be obliged to be held by a chain. Whenever a 

 cat appeared, it prepared for war ; and if any of 

 the poultry came within its reach, it flew upon 

 them with avidity. Though it was tied by the 

 middle of the body, it frequently escaped: at 

 first, it returned after some hours, but without 

 seeming pleased, as if it only came to be fed ; 

 the next time it continued abroad longer; and 

 at last went away without ever returning. It 

 was a female, and was, when it went off, a year 

 and a half old ; and M. Buffon supposes it to 

 have gone in quest of the male. It ate every 

 thing that was given it, except sallad or herbs ; 

 and it was remarkably fond of honey. It was 

 remarked that it drank often, and often slept for 

 two days together ; and that, in like manner, it 

 was often two or three days without sleeping. 

 Before it went to sleep, it drew itself up into a 

 round, hid its head, and covered it with its tail. 

 When awake it was in continual agitation, and 

 was obliged to be tied up, not less to prevent its 



