V. Order Carnivora, or Flesh-eating Land Mammals 



Weasel. — This crafty little animal (Fig. i6), sleek- 

 coated, swift-footed and blood-thirsty, is the smallest 

 member of the genus Mustela included in our fauna, 

 measuring about twelve inches over all. To many, if 

 not most people, the Weasel is a rare animal. This is 

 largely due to the fact that it is an adept at taking 

 advantage of every bit of cover that is afforded ; but if 

 only the average person had some notion of its habits, 

 and knew how curious the animal was to see all that was 

 passing, it would be seen much more often than it is. 

 If patience is exercised when a Weasel is once located, 

 it is almost sure to show itself again somewhere near 

 the same spot. This is an infallible habit, if the animal 

 is not unduly disturbed during its hunting expeditions, 

 and should be remembered by all those who wish to 

 study this species at close quarters. The fact is, few 

 people realise the wealth of wild Ufe which is to be found 

 for the seeking even in the vicinity of their own homes : 



maybe in their own back garden. As an instance of the 

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