MINK. 121 



Some Minks are still found in Germany, European 

 Eussia, Poland, and parts of Switzerland. A very few 

 of a similar variety are found in Nepaul ; the colour is 

 reddish-brown, and the throat and upper part of the 

 face are white. 



FITCH, OE POLECAT. 



Mustela putorius. 

 French : Putois. German : Iltiss. 



This animal is known under many names, such as 

 Fitchferret, Foulmart, Foumard, and Foul Marten, 

 these three latter being given it in distinction to the 

 Sweet or Baum Marten. It derives these names from 

 the very pungent and somewhat fetid odour which it 

 exudes. It appears to be the European representative 

 of the Skunk. 



The Polecat has become scarce in this country of late 

 years ; it is not found now in parts of Kent and York- 

 shire, and many other counties, owing probably to the 

 ill-directed zeal of gamekeepers, who seem to have a 

 craze for killing every animal or bird that preys upon 

 game, not regarding the fact that game is generally 

 stronger and more healthy where the ferae naturae are 

 not exterminated. The weakly, sickly, and diseased 

 fall an easy prey, and the healthy and stronger animals 

 are left to perpetuate a hardy race. 



The Polecat is still found in North Wales, Scotland, 

 and parts of England and Ireland. It frequents woods, 

 and preys upon young birds, Eabbits, frogs, etc. In 

 capturing Eabbits it approaches its prey by springs or 

 leaps, its victim uttering a piercing cry when killed. It 



