120 CARNIVORA. 



The Mink feeds on fowls, water-hens, etc. It pairs 

 in March, and sometimes even earlier. Some years ago 

 an attempt was made in the United States to breed 

 Minks for the sake of the fur, but this enterprise ended 

 in failure. These breeding establishments were called 

 farms. As regards its habits, we think it best to quote 

 Dr. Eichardson (p. 49) in his own words : 



" The Vison passes much of its time in the water, 

 and when pressed seeks shelter in that element in pref- 

 erence to endeavouring to escape by land, on which it 

 travels slowly. It swims and dives well, and can remain 

 a considerable time under water. Its short fur, forming 

 a smooth, glossy coat .... and the shortness of its 

 legs, denote its aquatic habits. It preys upon small fish, 

 fish spawn, fresh-water mussels, etc., in the summer, 

 but in the winter, when its watery haunts are frozen 

 over, it will hunt mice on land, or travel to a consider- 

 able di^ance through the snow in search of a rapid or 



fall, where there is still open water The Yison, 



when irritated, exhales next to the Skunk the most 

 fetid smell of any animal in the fur countries. The 

 odour resides in a fluid secreted by two glands situated 

 at the anus. It is not very timid when in the water, 

 and will approach near to a canoe out of curiosity, 

 diving, however, instantly on perceiving the flash of a 

 gun, or any movement from whence it apprehends danger. 

 It is easily tamed and capable of strong attachment. 

 In the domestic state it is observed to sleep much in the 

 day and to be fond of warmth. It has four to seven 

 young at a time." 



KUSSIAN MINK. This variety of the Mink is found in 

 Siberia. It is of medium size, with coarse, dark brown 

 fur. Not so many skins appear now to be imported as 

 in former years. The value was about 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. 



