350 THE SABLE. 



upon the wild berries that it finds on the branches. The hunters assert that the Sable 

 is not content to feed only on the hares and such like animals, which constitute the 

 usual prey of the larger Weasels, but that it is in the habit of killing and devouring 

 the ermine and the smaller members of the Weasel tribe. Even birds fall victims to 

 these agile and voracious animals, being often overtaken in their flight among the 

 branches of trees by a well-aimed leap and a sharp stroke of the fore-paws. 



Sometimes the ordinary supplies of food fail, and then the Sable enacts the part of 

 parasite to some larger animal, such as a bear or a wolf, and, following on its track, 

 endeavors to gain a subsistence by feeding on the remnants of the prey which may 

 be taken by the superior powers of its unwitting ally. 



The Sables are taken in various modes. Sometimes they are captured in traps, which 

 are formed in order to secure the animal without damaging its fur. Sometimes they are 

 fairly hunted down by means of the tracks which their little feet leave in the white 

 snow, and are traced to their domicile. A net is then placed over the orifice, and by 

 means of a certain pungent smoke which is thrown into the cavity, the inhabitant is 

 forced to rush into the open air, and is captured in the net. The hunters are forced 

 to support themselves on the soft yielding surface of the snow by wearing " snow- 

 shoes," or they would be lost in the deep drifts which are perfectly capable of support- 

 ing so light and active an animal as the Sable, but would engulf a human being before 

 he had made a second step. 



It now and then happens that the Sable is forced to take refuge in the branches of 

 a tree, and in that case it is made captive by means of a noose which is dexterously 

 flung over its head. 



On examining the fur of the Sable, it will be seen to be fixed to the skin in such a 

 manner that it will turn with equal freedom in all directions, and lies smoothly in what- 

 ever direction it may be pressed. The fur is rather long in proportion to the size of the 

 animal, and extends down the limbs to the claws. The color is a rich brown, slightly 

 mottled with white about the head, and taking a gray tinge on the neck. 



Even in the localities where it is most usually found it is by no means a common 

 animal, and is so cautious that it is not easily induced to enter a trap or to permit itself 

 to be outwitted by its pursuers. Should the hunter prefer to catch the Sable in traps, 

 he thinks himself fortunate if he secures a Sable in every eight or ten traps. Some- 

 times, on going the round of his traps, which is a task of great labor and difficulty, and 

 involves a journey of many miles, he finds them all empty, and the baits gone, having 

 been devoured by some crafty animal that has followed the hunter in his course for 

 the sole purpose of robbing the traps of their baits. 



When domesticated, the Sable exhibits no small amount of intelligence, and can be 

 tamed with considerable success. One of these animals was an inhabitant of the palace 

 belonging to the Archbishop of Tobolsk, and was so thoroughly domesticated, that it was 

 accustomed to wander at will about the city and pay visits to the inhabitants. Two 

 other specimens of the same creature were tamed, but not to so complete a degree. They 

 used to sleep during the greater part of the day, but were peculiarly vigilant and restless 

 during the night. After partaking of food, they always became exceedingly drowsy, and 

 would sleep so soundly that they might be shaken, pinched, or even pricked with a sharp 

 instrument without giving any signs of awakening. This curious somnolence would 

 generally last from thirty minutes to one hour. They exhibited a great dislike 

 to cats, and if they saw one of those animals, would rise on their hind-legs as if to 

 fight it. 



The mode of attack is the same in all the members of the Weasel tribe. They always 

 endeavor, as far as possible, to steal unperceived upon their intended prey, and then to 

 fasten suddenly upon the doomed animal by means of their sharp teeth, and tightly 

 clinging paws. They always endeavor to seize their victim by the back of the head, 

 and with a single bite drive their long canine teeth into the brain. They seem to be 

 singularly and literally bloodthirsty in character, delighting to suck the blood of the 

 animals which they have destroyed. 



Unfortunately for the possessors of rabbits, poultry, or similar creatures, the 

 whole of the Weasel tribe are sad epicures in their taste, and will wreak far more 



