MINX. 83 



In its native country, as Mr. Daniel informs us *, the 

 choice food of the rattel is said to be honey ; and na- 

 ture has endowed it with a hide so very thick, that it 

 cannot be penetrated by the sting of a bee. It is so 

 particularly tenacious of life, that a dog with great diffi- 

 culty succeeds in killing it ; and even wanton cruelty is 

 long in depriving him of existence. 



The rattel is a thick, heavy shaped animal, with rather 

 a large head, and destitute of external ears. The fur is 

 long and rough. The upper parts of the head, neck, back, 

 and tail are ash-coloured, while the muzzle and all the 

 under parts are black ; the two colours being separated by 

 a bright grey hne. 



The Minx, or Vison Weasel, 



Mustela Vison, Linnceus. Rich. North. Zool. i. 48. Le Vison, 

 JBiiffon. Minx Otter, Pennant. 



We now pass to such animals of the weasel tribe as 

 are most likely to come under common observation in 

 menageries ; or whose skins, as articles of dress or of 

 commerce, are in general use ; and of which, con- 

 sequently, something should be known by every one. 



The minx is one of the most common animAls of the 

 fur countries of North America, and its habits have, 

 been thus detailed by Dr. Richardson. It is a much 

 more aquatic animal than others of its congeners, pass- 

 ing much of its time in the water, to which, v/hen 

 pursued, it retreats, in preference to seeking its escape 

 by land. It walks slowly, but can swim and dive so 

 well as to remain a considerable time under water. Its 

 short fur, forming a smooth glossy coat, its tail, exactly 

 like that of an otter, and the shortness of its legs, denote 

 its aquatic habits. During summer it preys upon small 

 fish, spawn, shells, &c. ; but in winter, when its watery 

 haunts are frozen over, it will hunt mice on land, or 

 travel to a considerable distance, through the snow, in 

 search of a fall or rapid where the water has not yet been 



* Daniel, African Scenery. 

 G 2 



