CHECK LIST OF THE 



GENUS LUTRA. 



(39) I.utra canadensis. 



(American Otter.) 



Formerly common and generally distributed ; now restricted to the 

 lakes and rivers in the northern districts. Having been much persecuted 

 for the sake of its valuable fur it had become nearly extinct, but owing to 

 proper protection its numbers have increased of late. Aquatic ; feeds prin- 

 cipally upon fish and frogs. 



GENUS MEPHITIS. 



(40) Mephitis mephitica. 



(Common Skunk.) 



Common and generally distributed. This offensive creature is only 

 known to be condemned, but apart from its unpleasant odour and occa- 

 sional raids upon hen's nests it has. some good traits in its character. It 

 feeds largely upon insects of all sorts and is particularly partial to the 

 large white grubs and cutworms, which it scratches out and devours with 

 avidity. Its fur is of excellent quality and is now dyed to imitate sable. 



GENUS GULO. 



(41) Gulo luscus. 



(Wolverene.) 



Never very abundant and now rare. It is found only in the northern 

 wilds remote from settlements. 



GENUS MUSTELA. 



(42) Mustela americana. 



(Pine Marten, Sable.) 

 Not uncommon in the northern forests, Its fur is much esteemed. 



(43) Mustela pennantii. 



(Fisher, Pekan.) 



An inhabitant of the north woods which has been so persistently 

 hunted that it is becoming scarce. Valued for its handsome fur. 



GENUS LUTREOLA. 



(44) Lutreola vison. 



(Mink.) 



Common and generally distributed. Its fur is beautiful and valuable. 

 The animal itself is a bloodthirsty marauder, killing and feeding upon 

 everything it can overpower. As a destroyer of field mice it renders good 

 service, but when it raids a hen-roost it is not so much appreciated. 



