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333 
PUTORIUS VISON, (GappEr). 
THE MINK. 
Specific Character—Tail about half as long as the body. General colour 
_ rather dark brownish chestnut. Tail nearly black. End of chin white, but not 
_ the edge of the upper jaw. 
Habitat.—All North America, very common in Ontario. 
Average Size.—Equal to that of a very large ferret. 
Average Weight.—2 pounds. 
Average Height.—5 inches. 
Average Length.-—15 inches. 
Value of Skin.—Average, 50c. to $2. 
} The mink is fairly plentiful in Ontario, and being much in demand for its 
_ skin which is valuable, is hunted eagerly by the trapper. 
| The fur is usually brown with a little white along the jaws. but there is 
considerable variation in the tinting. Some specimens are of a much paler colour, 
and on others the fur is almost black. 
> The mink frequents the banks of ponds and rivers, and its food consists of 
fish, frogs, and insects. 
The shape of the body is not unlike that of the otter, but the teeth more 
closely resemble those of the pole-cat. 
The feet are slightly webbed and well adapted for swimming. 
The scent glands are well developed, and the odour emitted from them is 
4 scarcely less unpleasant than that of the skunk. 
The mink can be successfully tamed and is easily reared. 
The female produces her young in the month of June, four generally being 
born at a time. 
