WEASELS. 55 



four of their young comes to maturity. Evi- 

 dently here is opportunity to learn something 

 of interest. 



In North America there are several species 

 of weasel, and a larger relative, the American 

 blackfooted stoat, twenty inches in length. 

 This animal is found in Kansas and other West- 

 ern States. It is rare, in fact very rare, and 

 seems to live mostly on the little rodents known 

 as prairie dogs. These live in underground 

 burrows, congregating into villages, where grass 

 can be found for food. The stoat attacks them 

 in their dens, although they are nearly as large, 

 with teeth like rats, and disposed to use them 

 when cornered. Great numbers of weasel skins 

 were once sent to Europe from the Hudson Bay 

 region with other furs, but now they are not in 

 much demand. 



