166 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
February 7th, 1885—‘‘ I cannot hear that a Polecat has been seen 
or destroyed of late years in our woods.” Mr. R. Widdowson, of 
Melton Mowbray, writes on February 6th, 1885—‘ Not heard of 
any here for many years.” 
Mustela erminea, Linn. Common Stoat.—Generally dispersed 
and common, breeding close to the town of Leicester. Harley 
says that he “has seen it chase the Squirrel.” My friend 
Macaulay described to me a most exciting chase which he wit- 
nessed, and which ended in a singular manner. I give it in his 
own words:—“ On February 16th, 1884, I was driving from 
Stoughton to Tur Langton, in company with Mr. Miles J. Walker, 
when our attention was attracted by the scream of a rabbit, a 
sound which—like the cry of a hare—is never heard except the 
animal is in fear. Looking into the adjoining field we saw a 
rabbit being coursed by a stoat. The rabbit was screaming with 
terror all the while it ran, and the stoat was rapidly gaining 
ground. After going about 150 yards the stoat was within a yard 
of the rabbit, when the latter suddenly stopped and squatted, and 
at the same time ceased to scream. The stoat stopped also, but, 
instead of attacking the rabbit, squatted also in front of and face 
to face with it about a foot off, and there they remained motionless, 
the rabbit apparently paralysed with fear. The occupier of the 
farm, who happened to be on the road, went into the field, and on 
his approach the stoat ran off; whilst the rabbit allowed him to 
pick it up, and he brought it to us and placed it in my carriage. 
The animal’s eyes were closed, the heart was palpitating most 
violently, and the breathing very rapid. It lay on its side for 
some minutes motionless, and [ thought it would die. A careful 
examination failed to detect any injury whatever. After a time it 
slowly recovered, and we turned it loose again.” Several 
examples of the stoat have occurred in the county, in partial 
‘‘ermine” or winter dress. I have not seen any purely white 
local specimens. 
Mustela vulgaris (Gmel.). Weasel.—Generally met with, and 
resident. One, presented to the Leicester Museum on November 
14th, 1851, was killed in Princess Street, close to the Museum. 
Harley says—‘“ This species hunts down the Grey Rat with 
wonderful daring and spirit. It also preys on the Water Rat, and 
for that purpose, the writer of these notes on its history, has seen 
the little intrepid fellow trace out the runs of that quiet, harmless 
