326 THE SABLE. 



they begin to seize on their prey, and to provide . 

 food for themselves. 



Pine Martins are hunted in the North for the sake 

 of their furs, which are held in great estimation : 

 the most valuable part is that which extends along 

 the back. In England these are used to line the 

 robes of magistrates, and for several other purposes. 

 They form a considerable article of commerce ; 

 above twelve thousand being annually imported into 

 this country from Hudson's Bay, and more thari 

 thirty thousand from Canada *. 



THE SABLE-}-. 



The Sable is a native of North America, Siberia^ 

 Kamtschatka, and Asiatic Russia. It is about eigh- 

 teen inches in length ; and has a longish and rathe? 

 sharpened head. Its general colour is a deep glossy 

 brown. 



The skin of the Sable is more valuable than that 

 of any other animal. One of these, not above four 

 inches broad, has sometimes been valued as high a? 

 fifteen pounds ; but the general price is from one 

 pound to ten, according to their quality. The 

 Sable's fur is different from all others, in the hair 

 turning with equal ease either way. The bellies of 

 Sables, w hich are sold in pairs, are about two fingers 

 in breadth ; and are tied together in bundles of 



* Church's Cabinet of Quachupcds. 

 t Sy^ionyms. — Viverra Zibellina. S/u/w. — Mestela Zibellina. Linn. 

 —Sable Wee^el, PcK^.-^-ZibeHue. Bufoiu :Bctj. 2uad. 233. 



