58 MARTENS. 



22. We will mention still another species of the genus Polecat, 

 called the Ermine, Mustela Erminea. Its body is about nine 

 inches in length, and the tail about four. This little animal has 

 two coats ; in winter, it is white with the tail tipped with black, 

 and bears the name of Ermine ; during the spring, it is of a beau- 

 tiful brown above, and yellowish white below, with the end of 

 the tail always black: it is then the Roselet. It is found in the 

 northern parts both of 'the old and new continent ; and though 

 not so common as the Weasel in France, it is not rare. It seeks 

 stony countries, and avoids the neighbourhood of habitations. 

 The winter skins of this species are very much sought as fur, 

 and form a very considerable article of commerce; but the 

 Ermine of the most northern countries is most esteemed, because 

 it is so brilliantly white, while that of temperate climates always 

 retains a yellowish tint 



23. The MARTENS, Mu&tela, (the true Weasel) properly so 

 called, resemble the Polecats very much, but differ from them in 

 having a muzzle more elongated, and a tongue covered with soft 

 papillae. The numerous species of this genus are scattered over 

 both continents ; among them we will mention : 



24. The Commntt IMarteii, Mustela Martex, brown, with a 

 yellow spot on the throat, and of a stature rather larger than that 

 of the Beech Marten. It lives in the woods of northern Europe, 

 avoiding inhabited places and the open fields ; it destroys a great 

 many small quadrupeds and birds ; it takes possession of eggs, 

 and climbs to the highest branches of trees to dislodge them. It 

 is said to be found also in South America. 



25. The Beech Marten, Mmtela Foina (Plate 2, fig. 16.) 

 brown, with all the under part of the throat and neck whitish, 

 about sixteen inches in length, besides the tail which measures 

 eight. It is found in European forests, and often approaches 

 habitations, where it even establishes its abode. But it is a dan- 

 gerous guest : when it succeeds in obtaining an entrance into a 

 hen-roost, or a pheasant- walk, it commences by putting every 

 thing to death in its reach, and then bearing all off, piece by piece, 

 to its retreat ; it is also voraciously fond of eggs ; it seizes rats, mice, 

 moles and birds in their nests. It is also fond of honey and 

 hempseed. 



22. What is the Ermine? Where is it found? What are its habits? 

 Of what colour is it ? Has climate any influence on the colour of its coat ? 



23. How does the genus Marten differ from that of Polecats ? 



24. What are the specific characters of the common Marten? What are 

 its habits ? 



25. What are the specific characters of the Beech Marten ? Where is it 

 found ? What are its habits ? 



