STOAT 



met an untimely end in the manner indicated. To 

 watch a Stoat pursuing a Rabbit shows another side of 

 the picture. Once the rodent is marked, it possesses 

 little chance of escape. Its movements, unless they 

 lead it to its underground dwelling, are slow compared 

 with those of its pursuer, and when at last it has to give in. 

 the screams it sets up are pitiful to hear. A final leap 

 by the carnivorous hunter, and all is over. If the Stoat 

 is interrupted in its quest, a watch should be kept, when 

 it will be seen to return to its prey, and, if needs be, will 



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carry it off triumphant to suck the blood of the Rabbit 

 in quiet security. It also preys upon Birds, Rats, Voles 

 and Leverets, and in the nesting season is an inveterate 

 enemy of the Pheasant. We have known a pair of 

 Stoats hoard up as many as seventy eggs of the last- 

 named game-bird, much to the discomfiture of our 

 game-keeper friend who was with us when the dis- 

 covery was made. Admirably fashioned for the life it 

 leads, having a long tapering body, short legs, extremely 

 muscular limbs, and full of activity, cunning and great 



daring, small wonder this species is such a common 



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