186 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



the brain. This fondness of the polecat for frogs has 

 often been observed, and it accords with the habits of 

 some of its congeners, or kindred animals. 



According to Bewick, one of these animals was 

 traced in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, 

 at some distance from it, during a severe storm. 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 greater 

 attention. Its hole was therefore examined, the pole- 

 cat taken, and eleven fine eels were discovered to be the 

 fruit of its nightly exertions. The marks on the snow 

 were found to have been made by the motions of the 

 eels while in the creature's mouth. 



