HABITS WHEN" DOMESTICATED. 219 



to tlie liouse of its own accord, where it con- 

 tinued during the remainder of the day. It 

 waged war against the Norway rats which had 

 their domicile in the dam that formed the fish- 

 pond, and it caught the frogs which had taken 

 possession of its banks. We did not perceive 

 that it captured many fish, and it never attacked 

 the poultry. It was on good terms with the 

 dogs and cats, and molested no one unless its 

 tail or foot was accidentally trod upon, when it 

 invariably revenged itself, by snapping at the 

 foot of the offender. 



It was rather dull at mid-day, but very active 

 and playful in the morning and evening, and at 

 night. It never emitted its disagreeable odour 

 except when it had received a sudden and severe 

 hurt. It was fond of squatting in the chimney- 

 corner, and formed a particular attachment to an 

 arm-chair in our study. 



The skins of the mink were formerly an 

 •article of commerce, and were used for making 

 muffs, tipp(^ts„ etc.; they sold for about fifty 

 cents each. Richardson states that they at pres- 

 ent are only taken by the traders of the fur com- 

 pany to accommodate the Indians, and that they 

 are afterwards burnt, as they will not repay the 

 expense of carriage. The fur, however, although 

 short, is even finer than that of the marten. 



A short time since, we were kindly presented 



