ERMINE. 87 



nearly four feet. Mr. Graham observes, that he knew 

 several Indians who lost their eyesight, in consequence of 

 inflammation from this cause; and Dr. Richardson says 

 that he has known a dead skunk, thrown over the stock- 

 ades of a trading port, produce instant nausea in several 

 women in a house with closed doors upwards of a hun- 

 dred yards distant.* Our traveller adds, '' One m.ay, 

 however, soon become familiarised with it ; for, not- 

 withstanding the disgust it produces at first, 1 managed 

 to skin a couple of recent specimens, hy recurring to 

 the task at intervals." If the carcase is not touched by 

 this fluid, the flesh is considered by the natives as ex- 

 cellent food. 



In general appearance, the skunk is a very pretty 

 animal : it has a long bushy tail, and its aspect more 

 resembles that of a wolverine than of a marten : it 

 stands low on its legs, and has a broad, thick body, and 

 wide forehead; the body is broadly striped by black 

 and white ; but the cheeks, and all the under parts, are 

 entirely black. The fur, although long, is coarse, and 

 is but little valued in commerce. The claws on the 

 fore feet are very strong and long, being adapted for 

 digging, and are very unlike those of the martens. 



The Ermine, or Stoat. 



Mustela erminea, Linnceus. Stoat Weasel, Pennant. Puto- 

 rius erminea, Cuvier. Seegoos and Shacooshew, Cree In- 

 dians. Ferreeya, Esquimaux Indians. North. Zool. i. 46. 



It may be needless to inform most of our readers 

 that the beautiful fur called ermine is the winter dress, 

 in high northern latitudes, of the common stoat, the pest 

 and detestation of those farmers upon whose premises it 

 takes up its abode. Although, therefore, it is a British 

 animal, we introduce it here to enrich our pages with 

 some authentic accounts of its manners as witnessed in 

 America ; for, strange to say, our native Fauna has 

 been so much neglected, that we frequently are indebted 



* North. Zool. i. 51 

 G 4 



