122 MAMMALIA—POLECAT. 
1s arched, the tail low and bushy; the legs thick and short; and the whole 
aspect ‘of the animal indicates strength without much activity. The fur 
bears a great similarity to that of the black bear, but is not so long, nor 
of so much value. 
The wolverene is a carnivorous animal, which feeds chiefly upon the 
carcasses of beasts that have been killed by accident. It has great strength, 
and annoys the natives by destroying their hoards of provision, and demo- 
lisning 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. We have seen one chasing an American hare, which was at 
the same time harassed by a snowy owl. It resembles ‘he bear in its gait, 
and is not fleet; but it is very industrious, and no doubt feeds well, as it 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. ' 
This animal inhabits northern Europe and America. It is about the size 
of the badger. The above description is from Dr Richardson. 
THE POLECAT! 
Is about seventeen inches in length; of a deep chocolate color, nearly ap- 
proaching to black ; has short ears, tipped with white, and the tail is cover- 
ed with longish hair. In summer he generally tives in woods, thick brakes, 
or rabbit warrens. His burrow is about two yards deep, and commonly 
ends under the root of a tree. In winter, he haunts barns, hay-lofts, and 
other out-houses, whence he sallies forth on the poultry. 
When heated, or enraged especially, it sends forth and diffuses a stench 
that is absolutely intolerable. The dogs will not eat its flesh ; and even its 
skin, though good in itself, sells at a very low price, as it can never be- 
entirely divested of its natural odor. 
These animals are very destructive to young game of all kinds, and com- 
mit dreadful devastations among pigeons when they get into a pigeon-house. 
Without making so much noise as the weasel, they do a great deal more 
mischief; dispatching each victim with a single wound in the head, and 
satiating themselves with copious draughts of blood, after which they carry 
off the prey: or if the aperture by which they entered will not admit of this, 
they first eat the brains, and then carry away the head, leaving the body 
behind. They are also extremely fond of honey, and are frequently known, 
1 Mustela putorius, Lix. Tue genus Mustela has six upper and six lower incisors; twe 
upper and two lower canines; eight or ten upper and ten or twelve lower molars. Body 
elongated; head small and oval; ears short and round; legs short; feet pentadactyle, 
armed with sharp, hooked claws. No anal pouch. 
