THE ERMIXES OF THE NORTH. 



563 



in Northern Russia and Siberia. Its hairs, whose general shade is a 

 grayish-brown, possess this singular property, which distinguishes 

 them from every other kind of fur they have no particular inclina- 

 tion, and consequently may be laid down indifferently in any direction 

 whatever. 



The genus Polecat (Mustela putarius) comprehends the smallest 



ERMIXE AXI> SABLE-MARTEN. 



of ah 1 known Carnivora the Weasel, the Ferret, and the Ermine. 

 The temperate countries of Europe possess one variety of the latter 

 species ; but the ermines of the extreme north have a much fuller 

 and softer fur. These animals, like many others, change their garb 

 according to the season. The ermine, which poets have adopted as 

 the emblem of purity, on account of his spotless whiteness, in 

 reality only merits that dangerous honour in the winter ; it is 



