256 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE MARTIX. 



(^litstcla Marfcs, Linn. La Fouine, Buff.) 



Is much more common in this country than the 

 Pine-Weasel. It lives wholly in woods, and breeds 

 in the hollows of trees. It produces from four to 

 six young- ones at a time. 



This species is the most beautiful of all the 

 Weasel kind. Its head is small, and elegantly 

 formed; its eyes are lively; and its motions quick 

 and graceful. 



When taken young, it is easily tamed, and be- 

 comes extremely playful and good-humoured. Its 

 attachment, however, is not to be depended upon. 

 It readily takes advantage of the first opportunity 

 to regain its liberty, and retire to the woods, its 

 natural haunts. 



The food of the Martin is much the same with 

 other animals of its kind. It makes- incessant war 

 upon Rats, Mice, and other vermin ; poultry, game, 

 and small birds, are its constant prey: it feeds also 

 on grain, and is extremely fond of honey. 



M. Buffon tells us of one of them that he had 

 tamed, which he remarks, drank frequently. It 

 sometimes slept two days successively, and at other 

 times would continue awake as long. In preparing 

 itself for sleep, it folded itself up in a round form, 

 and covered its head with its tail. When awake, 

 its motions were so violent, so constant, and so 

 troublesome, that it was necessary to keep it chain- 

 ed. From the flexibility of its body, it easily 

 eluded its fetters; and, after returning once or 

 twice, at length absented itself entirely. 



