The Shrew-Mouse.'] OF ORKNEY. 29 



suckle their young, and perform several other functions in 

 common with quadrupeds ; but though they are the link of 

 the great chain that connects the quadrupeds with the fishes, 

 yet the chain, in the opinion of many eminent men, ought here 

 to be divided, and the cetaceous fishes placed at the head 

 of these animals in whose more peculiar dominions nature has 

 placed them. Therefore, to follow the great Mr Ray's ar- 

 rangement, and after the example of my worthy and learned 

 friend Mr Pennant, I shall place them at the head of the in- 

 habitants of the waters, and here close my account of the 

 four-footed race. 



ADDENDA. 



The Weasel. 



The Weasel, or Weesel, Raii Syn. Quad. 195. The Whitred, Sib. Scot. 11. 



Brit. Zool. 82. 



THIS species was introduced into Shetland some years ago, 

 and seems to increase : tradition says by a falconer, who had 

 been denied his hawk-hens, and, in revenge, brought some 

 weasels with him next year, to destroy their domestic fowls. 

 However, this has not answered the end ; nay, they are even 

 of use in keeping off rats and mice, and encouraged for that 

 purpose. 



