WOLVERINE. 129 



tion, as many Siberian skins are imported by other 

 merchants ; 30s. is not an unusual price paid for a good 

 skin. In 1816 they only fetched 5s. to 7s. lOd. 



Very handsome wrappers, capes, and trimmings are 

 made from this fur, which is sometimes dyed black. 



The Glutton is one of the wilder animals which is not • 

 likely to increase with civilization. It is extremely 

 voracious, and the Eeindeer is a favourite prey. Its gait 

 is very peculiar. It is very fond of water. The young 

 are covered with long whitish hair. 



Dr. Kichardson, in the "North American Fauna" 

 (page 43), says: — " The Wolverine has great strength, 

 and annoys the natives by destroying their hoards of 

 provisions, and demolishing their Marten-traps. It is so 

 suspicious that it will rarely enter a trap itself, but 

 beginning behind pulls it to pieces, scatters the logs of 

 which it is built, and then carries off the bait. It feeds 

 also on meadow mice, marmots, and other rodentia, and 

 occasionally on disabled quadrupeds of a larger size. I 

 have seen one chasing an American Hare, which was at 

 the same time harassed by a snowy owl. It resembles 

 the Bear in its gait, and is not fleet ; but it is very 

 industrious, and no doubt feeds well, and is generally 

 fat. It is much abroad in the winter, and the track of 

 its journey in a single night may be traced for many 

 miles. 



" It brings forth from two to four young once a year. 

 The cubs are covered with a downy fur, of a pale or 

 cream colour." 



