WEASEL or ERMINE 



Putorius novel* or acensis. 



The weasel, among whose fifteen species are included some of 

 the smallest carnivora in existence, is common throughout North 

 America. In actual length they may vary all the way from six to 

 sixteen inches, but all have such insignificant bodies and such blood- 

 thirsty temperaments that the contrast affords the most striking 

 characteristic of the whole family. A peculiarity of this family is 

 the tendency for the general reddish brown color which it wears in 

 summer to turn white during the winter, this change being more 

 marked in the species farther north. In this white phase they are 

 called "Ermine" and their fur is considered as most valuable for 

 trimming or linings, being used with the highest priced furs. 



The one here chosen as a type, as do several others, keep the 



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