HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259 



Woodcocks, Squirrels, &c. It likewise lives upon 

 Rats, fishes, pine tops, and wild fruits. 



It is affirmed by naturalists, that the Sable is not 

 averse to the water; and from the fineness and 

 closeness of its fur, there is great reason to suppose 

 that it is much accustomed to that element, from 

 which it also derives a part of its subsistence : and 

 as a further proof that this animal is in some degree 

 amphibious, we are told by travellers,* that it is 

 very numerous in small islands, whither the hunters 

 go in quest of them. It is mentioned by Aristotle 

 as a water animal, and is described by him under 

 the name of Satherius. 



The hunting of the Sable is chiefly carried on by 

 criminals confined to the desert regions of Siberia, 

 or by soldiers sent thither for that purpose, who 

 generally remain there several years. They are 

 obliged to furnish a certain quantity of furs, and 

 shoot with a single ball, to injure the skin as little 

 as possible. They frequently take them in traps, 

 or kill them with blunt arrows. As an encourage- 

 ment to the hunters, they are allowed to share 

 among themselves whatever skins they take above 

 the allotted number; and this in a few years, 

 amounts to a considerable premium. The hunters 

 form themselves into small troops, each of which is 

 directed by a leader of their own chusing. 



The season of hunting is from November to 

 February; for at that time the Sables are in the 

 highest perfection: those caught at any other time 

 of the year are full of short hairs, and are sold at 

 inferior prices. The best skins are such as have 

 only long hair, which is always black, and of a 



* Avril's Travels, p. 140. 



