248 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE FERRET. 

 (Mustela Furo, Linn. Le Furct, Buff.) 



Is known to us only in a kind of domestic state. 

 It is originally a native of Africa: from whence, 

 according to Strabo, it was brought into Spain; 

 and from its known enmity to the Rabbit, was 

 made use of to reduce the numbers of them with 

 which that kingdom abounded. It has since been 

 employed for the same purpose in various parts of 

 Europe; but as it is not able to bear the severity of 

 a cold climate, it cannot subsist without great care 

 and shelter. It is usually kept in a box with wool, 

 of which it makes itself a warm bed. It sleeps a 

 great part of the day; and the moment it awakes 

 seems eager for its food, which is commonly bread 

 and milk. 



It breeds twice a year. The female goes six 

 weeks with young. Some of them devour their 

 offspring as soon as they are brought forth ; \vhen 

 they immediately come in season again, and have 



