HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 253 



sharp. It is in every respect admirably formed for 

 that peculiar mode of life assigned to it by the all- 

 wise Author of Nature. 



It is very active and nimble, runs very fast, and 

 will creep up the sides of walls with great agility. 

 In running, its belly seems to touch the ground; in 

 preparing to jump, it arches its back, and makes 

 its spring with great force. 



It is very destructive to poultry, Pigeons, and 

 young game of all kinds. It makes great havoc 

 amongst Rabbits ; and its thirst for blood is so 

 great, that it kills many more than it can eat. One 

 or two of them will almost destroy a whole warren. 



It is never seen abroad in the day-time, unless 

 forced from its hole; and is seldom hunted but in 

 the winter, being at that season easily found by 

 tracing its footsteps in the snow. It generally 

 resides in woods or thick brakes ; where it burrows 

 under ground, forming a shallow retreat about two 

 yards in length, commonly ending among the roots 

 of trees. 



In the winter season, it frequents houses, barns, 

 &c., feeding on poultry, eggs, and sometimes milk. 

 But it has another mode of procuring subsistence, 

 which has hitherto escaped the observation of the 

 naturalist; and which, though singular, we can 

 vouch for the truth of. During a severe storm, one 

 of these animals was traced in the snow from the 

 side of a rivulet to its hole, at some distance from 

 it: as it was observed to have made frequent trips, 

 and as other marks were to be seen in the snow 

 which could not easily be accounted for, it was 

 thought a matter worthy of great attention: its 

 hole was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken, 

 and eleven fine Eels were discovered to be the fruits 



