THE FERRET. 



Natural voracity. 



In a domestic state the ferret is incapable of 

 attachment, it is easily irritated, and will fre- 

 quently seize the hand that feeds it. So voraci- 

 ous is it, and so eager its appetite for blood, that 

 the female frequently devours her whole litter of 

 seven or eight young, and instances have been 

 known of its killing young infants in their cra- 

 dles. The bite of this animal is very difficult to 

 heal; and the fetid odour which it exhales is ex- 

 tremely offensive. tefjj 



The breed of the ferret, being apt to degene- 

 rate in this country, an intercourse is commonly 

 procured between the female and the foumart or 

 pole-cat; by which means a race is procured, 

 bolder, hardier, and more ferocious, partaking 

 much of the nature of the males, and being of a 

 darker colour than the female. 



Nature seems to have formed this animal to 

 be the mortal enemy of the rabbit. If a dead 

 rabbit be laid before a very young ferret which 

 has never seen one before, it seizes on it in the 

 most savage manner, nor, v.ithout the greatest 

 violence, will be induced to relinquish its hold. 

 If a living rabbit be presented, it darts upon it 

 with almost irresistible eagerness, penetrates its 

 neck with its teeth, winds its body round it, and 

 retains it position, as long as a drop of blood is 

 to be procured. 



The ferret, being originally a native of the tor- 

 rid zone, is not able to endure the rigors of a 

 cold climate, in a wild state; and, in its domcs- 



VOL. 1J. NO. XIV. 2 Q 



