324 THE PINE MARTIN. 



plunging into the water) till the creature falls down 

 fi-om loss of blood *. 



He is hunted by Foxes ; who search for him as 

 he lies in wait for his prey, and seldom fail to carry 

 him ofF-l-. 



THE PINE MARTIN |" 



Is about eighteen inches long. It is of a dark ches- 

 niit colour, and has a yellow throat and breast. It 

 frequents the pine forests of all the northern re- 

 gions, but particularly of America ; and is found 

 even in some parts of England. 



Its general retreat is in the hollow of some tree ; 

 so high up, and in ether respects so situated, as to 

 afford it perfect security. The nest of the Squirrel 

 is generally preferred : of this the Martin dispossesses 

 the ingenious architect by killing him. The Mar- 

 tin now enlarges the dimensions of its new habita- 

 tion ; lines it with softer materials ; and in that se- 

 cure retreat, brings forth its young. 



Its courage is so great, that it will attack ani- 

 mals much larger and stronger than itself. It 

 sometimes seizes the Sheep and the Hare : and, 

 if necessity obliges, will combat the fury of even the 

 Wild Cat ; which, tliough much stronger, is always 

 worsted, and often killed. 



Notwithstand'no; this ferocity of disposition, the 

 Pine Martin is easily rendered docile. Gesner says 



* Charlevoix, Travels in America, i. 201. t Buft'. Quad. 



X Synonyms. — Viverra Martes. S/ia'w. — Mustela Martes. Linn. — 

 Murder. Ridhgcr.—Mavtc. Buffw.^-—-Be%v.2uiid. 231. 



