448 RAMBLES ABOUT HOME. 



Weasel. Putorius ermineus. 



Common. I have recently learned of several instances where 

 weasels have taken up their abodes in the cellars of houses situated 

 on the outskirts of towns. While unable to climb as readily as can 

 the rat, the weasel will, when once established where rats are abun- 

 dant, either destroy them or frighten them away. The same is true 

 of them in the country ; and I doubt if the farmer is not profited 

 more by the lessening of the numbers of rats and mice than he 

 loses, on the other hand, by the destruction of a few chickens in the 

 course of a year. 



Mink. Putorius vison. 

 Skunk. Mephitis mephitlca. 



Otter. Lutra Canadensis. 



In some localities, even though thickly settled, otters seem to be 

 increasing in numbers. During the summer the dense vegetation 

 affords them sufficient cover, and, being exceedingly cunning, they 

 are able to baffle pursuers, whether men or dogs. In the winter, 

 however, the odds appear to be against them, and quite a number 

 are reported as trapped or shot during this time of year. 



Raccoon. Procyon lotor. 



This animal is still found in the more unsettled parts of the 

 county, but can not be said to be anywhere abundant. It is noc- 

 turnal in habit, and cunning enough to keep away from dogs ; and 

 so often lives for months near a farm-house without its presence 

 being suspected. 



Little Brown Bat. Vespertilio subulatus. 

 Silvery Bat. Vespertilio noctivagans. 

 Carolina Bat. Vespertilio fuscus. 



Little Red Bat. Atalapha Novceboracensis. 



The last of this series of bats is by far the most abundant, and, 

 unlike the others, is less sensitive to changes of weather. It is the 

 latest to disappear on the approach of winter ; often flies at noon- 

 day, in midwinter, if the day is warm and not too bright ; and the 

 earliest to appear in spring. 



Mole. Scalops aquaticus. 



My observations of this animal lead me to believe that the specific 



