THE SABtfc. 



Odour, food, &c. 



gradually increased, and at last it took a final de- 

 parture. IHiring its confinement, it sometimes 

 slept for two days without intermission. When 

 preparing for sleep, it formed its body into a cir- 

 cle; and hid its head, which it covered with its 

 tail. 



The martin has a musky smell, which many 

 persons deem agreeable; it being perfectly free 

 from thatrankness which is so disgusting in other 

 animals of this tribe. Its cry is sharp and pierc- 

 ing; but is never uttered except when in pain or 

 distress. Its principal food consists of rats, mice, 

 and other small quadrupeds; also poultry and 

 game; and it is remarkably fond of honey. 



The female produces three or four young, 

 which she feeds with eggs and live birds, and 

 thus early accustoms them to a life of carnage 

 and depredation. As soon as the young are able 

 to leave the nest, she leads them through the 

 woods ; where they begin to provide for them- 

 selves. 



Martins are hunted in the North for the sake 

 of their furs, which are held in great estimation, 

 and form a considerable article of commerce. 



THE SABLE. 



THIS lively and active animal is about eigh- 

 teen inches in length ; and has a longish and 

 rather sharpened head. Its general colour is ^ 



