WEASEL FAMILY. 



5« 



jaw has a distinct cusp on the inner side of the second lobe of the blade. Moreover, 

 they are of comparatively large size, and may be compared in this respect to the 

 domestic cat. In all of them the body is much elongated, although to a less di 

 than is the case with the polecats and weasels. The martens are found only in the 

 Northern Hemisphere, and range far to the northwards; one species, however 

 occurring as far south as India and the Malayan region. 



The pine-marten has a total length of from 25 to 30 inches, of which from Hi 

 to 18 inches are occupied by the head and body, and from 9 to 12 inches by the 

 tail, inclusive of the hair at its extremity. As in the other members of this group, 

 the muzzle is sharply pointed, with the nose extending a little beyond the lips ; 



THE l'INE-MARTEN (\ nat. size). 



and the ears are thickly covered with hairs on both sides. Beneath the glossy 

 outer fur there is a thick coat of under-fur ; and the soles of the feet have a thick 

 coat of fur between the bare pads. 



The pine-marten is characterised by the rich brown colour of the fur, and the 

 reddish grey tint and yellow tips of the under-fur ; the light-coloured fur on the 

 throat and chest varying in tint from yellowish white to a bright orange. The 

 range of this species includes a large portion of Northern Europe and Asia ; and in 

 former years the animal was common in the British Isles, where it is now restricted 

 to the wilder districts. From the specific designation of this marten, it would 

 naturally be supposed that it exhibits an especial predilection for pine-fort Ms. 

 This, however, does not appear to be the case, and it would seem that the name 

 was given merely from the circumstance that pine forests are abundant in many 

 of the districts which it inhabits. 



