THK INDIAN KATEL. 



1B7 



such mildness of temper ; and it was curious to observe the cat-like eagerness with which it watched 

 the i notions of any of the smaller among them that happened to pass before its den, and the instinctive 

 dread manifested by the latter on perceiving it. Its food consisted of bread and milk in the morning, 

 and flesh in the latter part of the day. 



The Weasel Tribe,* a family of digitigrade carnivorous animals, claims now our consideration, 

 of which the common weasel is the type. Were these creatures as large and powerful us they are 

 active, wily, and daring, they would be more formidable than the lion or the tiger, and infinitely more 

 destructive, as they kill, when opportunity offers, by wholesale, sucking the blood and devouring only 

 a portion of their victims, thereby effecting a great waste of life within the sphere of their predatory 

 operations. 



THK CAPK RATKL. 



Subtle and bold, the weasel tribe usually take their prey by surprise, and no animals are better 

 endowed naturally for an insidious attack. Their form is long and slender ; and such is their snake- 

 like pliability, that they .can twist themselves in the most extraordinary manner, and insinuate them- 

 selves into holes or crevices which one would think it impossible for them to enter. The limbs are 

 short but powerful, and the toes are armed with sharp claws ; hence they climb trees, or the sides of 

 rough walls or buildings, with great agility. In their movements they appear to glide along, but they 

 can bound and spring with considerable vigour, and know well how to fasten on their adversary. In 

 attacking their victims they generally aim at the neck, below the ear, where they pierce the large 

 veins with their teeth ; or they fix on the back of the head, and drive their canine teeth through the 

 skull. 



Their habits are nocturnal or crepuscular. The day is passed in their retreats, such as the hollows 

 of decayed trees, burrows in the ground, holes in walls and ruined masonry, and fissures in rocks. As 

 the shades of evening prevail, they rouse themselves from their repose and begin their prowl. 



Mustelida?. 



