4G4 



reptiles are included in the dietary of the Mink; and it 

 is also leaiiied from the testimony of different writers 

 and observers that the eggs of domestic fowls are often 

 taken by these noctuinal plunderers. 



KILL. PHEASANTS, QUAIL AND RABBITS. 



Sportsmen despise and oondemn Minks because of 

 the taste these brown-coated marauders have acquired 

 for Pheasants, Quail, Rabbits and Squirrels. Rails 

 and other luarsh-inhabiting birds frequenting a locality 

 where Minks resort, are often preyed upon by these 

 blood-thirsty and keen-scented quadrupeds. 



Injurious rodents, such as Mice, Rats and Muskrats, 

 so troublesome on the farm, which Minks eat, do nol, 

 we are assured by eminent naturalists who have given 

 much attention to the economic status of Minks, com- 

 pensate the loss occasioned by their attack on barn- 

 yard fowls, fish and game. 



The aquatic nature of the Mink is such that it is 

 usually found inhabiting the borders of streams, mill 

 ponds or dams. When Minks take up a residence in 

 or near the farmer's poultry house, as is frequently the 

 case, they have been known 1o destroy every fowl In the 

 place in a short time. 



It is claimed by sonie that the Mink feeds upon in- 

 sects; this may be true, but as I have c^nly examined 

 the stomach contents of four of tliese animals captured 

 at a period of the year when insect life was abundant, 

 and neither of tht^ni s1i(>wed,on dissection. any evidence 

 of such food, I am not, of courtse, prepared to confirm 

 or deny the statement. 



A MUSCULAR ANIMAL. 



The average weight of an adult Mink is about two 

 pounds, and foi* an animal so small it is astonishing to 



