AMERICAN WEASELS. 



295 



species. It is nearer the pusillus or Least Weasel than any other, but has a longer tail and a 

 black tip. It is common in Massachusetts. 



Richardson's Weasel (Putorius r/'chardsoni) is a little larger than the preceding, and is 

 found in the same localities. It is distinguished from the Small Brown Weasel by its longer 

 tail. The ears are higher and narrower at the base. In summer it is of a dark chestnut brown 

 above, whitish beneath* In winter it is white, with a black tail-tip. 



The Common Weasel (Putorius noveboracensis), commonly called White Weasel, is 

 described by De Kay as the New York Ermine. Pennant called it the Stoat Ermine, from its 

 apparent affinity with the European stoat. Godman called it Ermine Weasel. Among the 

 trappers it is called Catamingo. This Weasel does not range farther north than Massachusetts 



TAYRA.— Galiclis barbara. 



and Wisconsin. Its southern range is not below Pennsylvania. This Weasel does not change 

 color, being of a chestnut above and whitish beneath. 



The Long-tailed Weasel (P. longicauda) is a larger species, measuring to the tail about 

 eleven inches, the tail vertebrae being about half this length. The black of the tail is about 

 one-fourth its length. The color of the fur above is a light olivaceous brown, with a brown- 

 ish yellow beneath. In winter it is pure white throughout, the tail with a black tip. 



Kane' s Ermine (Putorius Jcanei) is a form brought from the Arctic regions by the com- 

 mander of the Grinnel Arctic Expedition, and named by Prof. Baird for the distinguished 

 surgeon, Dr. Kane. It is a perfect miniature of the Old World Ermine. 



Other species of American Weasels are : the Yellow-cheeked, Black -footed Ferret, and 

 Peruvian Weasel. Dr. Coues, in his "Fur-bearing Animals," assumes that the "Ermines of 

 Europe, Asia, and America are specifically identical. None of the supposed characters which 

 have been relied upon to separate them have any existence in nature, excepting as peculiarities 

 of individual specimens examined. The American Ermines are of two forms, according to size 

 alone, which in the extremes stand widely apart, but which grade insensibly into each 

 other." 



